BPD initiate camera registration program

Posted on April 6, 2016

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – A camera registration program is being launched by the Bloomington Police Department as a way to deter crime and promote public safety.

Spokeswoman Sarah Mayer said it’s designed to help police know where various security cameras are in the community so police can request footage for investigations. She explained private cameras have been used in many recent criminal investigations.

“If you remember, recently we had the 70-plus home burglaries taking place in Bloomington-Normal, where we did make an arrest,” said Mayer. “We used multiple private security video clips from residents to develop suspects in that investigation.”

Mayer added residential camera footage was also used in the arrest of Kirk Zimmerman, who is accused of murdering his ex-wife.

“Increasing public safety is really the goal of this,” she said.

Mayer said police will never have direct access to cameras – they will request footage from the private cameras. Residents or businesses can register their cameras at www.cityblm.org/police.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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