The Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) is reaching out to residents and businesses with surveillance camera(s) on their property. SCPD would like to create a database to catalog the surveillance cameras in our community. After crimes have occurred, SCPD can reach out to residents/businesses' camera system has captured this vital information that may help solve the crime.

The database only keeps record of the existence of a camera, its location, building address, camera specifications and contact information of the resident/business. SCPD may ask to view footage from the resident/business contact by phone/e-mail for investigative purposes, as necessary. Registering a system does not automatically grant police permission to view or turn over video, unless, of course, police have probable cause and have obtained a subpoena.

Residents/businesses that choose to participate in this program are recommended to have a minimum of 30-days of storage of information, however this is not required.

Video surveillance is one of the best methods for apprehending criminals and convicting suspects who are caught committing a crime. Video is also incredibly helpful to the District Attorney’s Office in the successful prosecution of the suspect(s). If you are interested in participating in this community-police partnership, please register here.

There is no fee to participate in this program. All information will be kept confidential and will only be viewed by SCPD personnel. Participation is completely voluntary.

If you are considering purchasing a video surveillance system, please consider the following:

• The higher the resolution of the video the better results that will be yielded;
• A minimum of 30-days storage of information is recommended;
• Camera(s) should face entrance and exit points; and,
• Camera(s) should be located on private property only.

For more information, contact the Crime Prevention Unit Community at 408-615-4872 or crimeprevention@santaclaraca.gov