Police Launch ‘MoCoConnect Community Camera Sharing Program’

The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) has launched its “community camera sharing program.” MoCoConnect allows residents to register home security cameras, letting the department know they have a camera system and that they are willing to be contacted by police in the event of a nearby crime. Additionally, it allows for camera integration, where businesses can share live video with the department in real-time.

The program, modeled after similar programs in Washington, D.C., Anne Arundel County and Prince George’s County, as well as many others nationally, is a collaboration between Montgomery County Police and Fusus by Axon.

“The department is always looking for ways to work collaboratively with the community to prevent, detect and deter crime,” said Police Chief Marc Yamada. “This is a great way for members of the public, the business community and residents alike to be active participants in keeping our communities safe. Police officers who are better informed make smarter and more efficient decisions. As we continue to face unprecedented staffing shortfalls, leveraging technology and community partnerships is essential to ensure that the Montgomery County Police Department can provide the highest quality services possible.”

The program will be available to all officers, although it will primarily be used by the Violent Crime Information Center and investigators for use in criminal events and by the Managed Search Operations Team officers as they try to locate missing persons.

“This program is not about violating individual privacy or being a ‘big brother.’ No one will be required to share anything with us unless they want to,” said Acting Assistant Chief David McBain. “It is no different than a business giving us a login account to see their cameras. It just lets us do it easier—with more protections and control over what we are allowed to view and when we can see it. There are a lot of people in our communities, especially our religious communities, who are concerned—they want to be able to be part of the solution to protect their communities.”

Registering a camera is free and requires completing a short online form. Integrating cameras has an associated cost. However, depending on the site's nature and location, assistance may be available.

For more information on the MoCoConnect program, including how to participate, visit www.mococonnect.org or contact the Violent Crime Information Center at VCIC@Montgomerycountymd.gov.