AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of San Marcos is launching a voluntary security camera recording program to help the San Marcos Police Department in future investigations.
Connect San Marcos was created in partnership with Fuzos by Axona real-time public safety company. Residents and businesses can Score Their security cameras are free within minutes.
The city hopes the partnership will give police timely access to video evidence needed in active investigations.
Similar programs have been launched in Kyle, Pflugerville, Georgetown and New Braunfels. The Austin Police Department began recording business cameras in 2017.
“Video can be the difference between a case being solved or things going cold,” San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge said. “This software speeds up the investigation process by allowing us to know where cameras are located without having to knock on every door.”
Recording cameras does not automatically give police direct access to the lenses.
Instead, a secret, encrypted map of recorded cameras will be available to investigators, who can contact the camera owner if an incident occurs nearby.
Officers can only obtain the footage after submitting a request to the camera owner and obtaining permission.
Closer cooperation of companies
Businesses also have the option of integrating their cameras with San Marcos PD.
By purchasing an Axon FususCORE device for their security camera systems, the integration will allow businesses to share live video feeds with police during emergency situations.
Business owners will retain control over what footage is shared and when, and first responders will receive “real-time situational awareness” to improve response times.
President Standridge hopes Connect San Marcos will “empower residents and businesses to play an active role in protecting their neighborhoods,” reiterating that “privacy, transparency, and community trust remain at the core of this initiative.”