By India Wise
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
The Baltimore County Council expressed support on Tuesday for a bill to create a voluntary private security camera registry for property owners in an effort to decrease crime throughout the area.
But council members voted to defer final action until officials understand all aspects of the program.
The bill would create a registry for property owners who have surveillance devices pointed toward a public right-of-way. The program, completely voluntary for citizens, would map where cameras are located to help authorities identify possible security footage in areas where crimes occur. When a crime occurs, police would schedule a time with the citizen to view the footage.
The entire focus of the bill is to ensure safer communities throughout the Baltimore County area, council members said.
Earlier, Council member Julian Jones Jr., who proposed the program, said, “This bill is an attempt to assist the police in terms of gathering information that can lead to solving crimes.”
“It could possibly help, really really save lives,” added the Woodstock Democrat.
Supporters stressed that the bill could not only help reduce crime but also help shorten and make more efficient police investigations.
Republican Todd Crandell pointed to recent burglaries of stolen packages from private homes and porches. Residents with security cameras were able to quickly solve the crimes, he said.
While five council members sponsored the bill, some expressed concern with privacy. Generally, the council agreed the program would benefit the communities.
Jones supported delaying a final vote: “In an effort to address all of the administration’s concerns and to be as responsive as we can to them, I am going to make a motion that we postpone the vote on this until the next meeting.”
Chairwoman Cathy Bevins agreed, adding “I think with speaking with the chief and the administration, that this is the smart thing to do.”
The next work session for the bill is scheduled later this month with final action expected in March.