Red Deer RCMP Staff Sgt. C.J. Peden is growing the detachment’s CAPTURE (Community Assisted Policing Through Use of Recorded Evidence) program to better be able to protect residents and businesses in Red Deer.

CAPTURE is a mapping tool and database that allows citizens and business owners to supply their camera locations and contact information to the Red Deer RCMP. 

CAPTURE lets RCMP members know where cameras are located, and who to approach to request access to footage that may come in handy during an investigation, such as vehicle identifiers, or physical characteristics of suspects.

"It's a registry that our investigators are able to access on their mobile device or their workstation in the mobile patrol units. What they can do is they can type in an address and come up with proximity as to what cameras are registered in that area," Peden explained.

One of the first businesses to sign up for CAPTURE was KMS Tools and Equipment. Last year, the business had an after-hours break-in that resulted in KMS increasing its security on site.

In addition to signing up for CAPTURE, they rearranged their security cameras and added more cameras to the external structure of their building so they now have the entire perimeter and gating on camera.

“One of the ways I know to prevent crime, is to be proactive”, explains Vernon. “I want to be a part of the solution, and CAPTURE is a great start.  We already have the camera system set up for use, if the RCMP can use the footage to help in a case; it’s a win-win. I hope every business in Red Deer takes part.”

When you join CAPTURE, police collect contact information so they can quickly contact you to view your recordings to help in investigations.

By registering your camera, citizens can take an active role in deterring crime and assisting the Red Deer RCMP with their overall crime prevention goals. RCMP will not ask for your login information and will never be able to look at your footage without your permission.

“The more people, and especially businesses, who register their cameras with CAPTURE, the more likely we will be to find footage that could lead to us identifying a criminal, finding evidence for an investigation, and making an overall impact in your neighbourhood,” explains Peden.

"We're trying to be innovative. This is another use of technology that we have in place already that we can use."

Peden said it's taken two years to build up the program, moving through various levels of government and attempting to get all the pieces put together. The program officially launched in Red Deer in July. As of November 2019, they have over 170 registrants and Peden says he hopes to see that number reach over 200. 

Peden says the program also helps to strengthen relationships with RCMP and citizens because it shows a tangible connection and tool for crime prevention.

You can register your security cameras for CAPTURE, and learn more about the program, at https://www.reddeercapture.ca/user/create/registrant.

-With some files from wearereddeer.ca.