Register your security camera
The Somerville Police Department is launching a Virtual Community Watch program, and we’re inviting residents and business owners with outdoor security cameras to take part.
Many people already have security cameras on their homes or businesses. These cameras may capture important footage that could help solve crimes nearby, but often neither the camera owner nor the police know the footage exists.
Registering your camera will help us quickly find and request video if an incident occurs. Registration doesn’t give us access to your camera. It just lets us know you have one in case we need to follow up.
About the program
Voluntary and confidential
The Virtual Community Watch program is voluntary. You're not required to register your camera, and the information you provide is kept confidential.
Community safety
The primary goal is to help law enforcement identify potential cameras in the area that could assist in investigations if a crime or incident occurs.
No access to cameras
The Somerville Police Department WILL NOT have access to your camera or live video feed. We will simply keep a list of registered cameras and their locations.
No obligation
If a crime occurs near your registered camera, we may contact you to request footage. You're not required to provide this information, and you're not obligated to respond to any requests.
How to register
Please fill out this form to register your camera and location.
What happens next
After you register your camera, we’ll only reach out if there’s a law enforcement-related incident near your camera.
- We’ll email or call residents in areas where a crime has occurred.
- We'll provide a specific date and time and ask you to check your video surveillance system.
- If you find video of a suspect, getaway car, or crime, you may contact the investigating officer to arrange retrieval.