MANHATTAN, KAN. –&nbsp;&nbsp;To build community outreach and help solve crime, the Riley County Police Department has launched the&nbsp;Safe Cam&nbsp;initiative.&nbsp;Safe Cam&nbsp;is a voluntary database of video camera location and owner contact information. Video cameras are an invaluable tool helping to detect and apprehend criminals.&nbsp;Safe Cam&nbsp;allows RCPD to partner with citizens and local businesses to create secure, private mapping of locations of surveillance cameras. The information will be accessible to officers in the event a camera may have captured footage related to a crime.&nbsp;“The goal of Safe Cam is to deter crime and increase public safety through a partnership between the Riley County Police Department and the community we serve," said Patrol Captain Greg Steere. "Criminal investigations frequently consist of officers canvassing the area that surrounds a crime scene looking for security cameras. Knowing precisely where cameras are located can greatly improve the efficiency and speed of our investigations.”People can register their security cameras that view any public area in the county (sidewalks, streets, parking lots, etc.). If a crime is committed in the registered area, police may contact the owner to review footage related to that incident. The owner of the camera can choose to grant access or to deny the request. If the video shows criminal activity, the evidence can then be used to apprehend and prosecute criminals involved.&nbsp;“Our agency is very fortunate to have the level of support that we have from our community members,” Steere said. “This program is an opportunity for all those members to work with us to help solve and deter crime."Safe Cam is free and confidential. Citizens can unsubscribe from the program at any time.&nbsp;&nbsp;To learn more or read Frequently Asked Questions go to:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rileycountypolice.org/safecam" target="_blank">www.RileyCountyPolice.org/safecam</a>

RCPD launches Community Watch program