SACRAMENTO-

Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones has launched a program Thursday that uses home security cameras to help solve crimes in a hurry.

The Sheriff’s Electronic Eye program, or SEE, registers homeowners with cameras.

Home security cameras are used more often as they become cheaper.  The problem is no one knows how many there are or where they are.  Detectives often have to canvas neighborhoods where a crime has occurred or appeal to the media to homeowners who might have cameras facing the street.

The SEE program allows investigators to e-mail or call homeowners and ask them to review their video recordings.

It’s especially crucial in suspected abduction cases.

“It could save lives,” Jones said.

Knowing where cameras are located could also help track suspects through neighborhoods.  The direction of a  hit and run suspect can be monitored for instance.  There are privacy concerns.  That’s why the program is voluntary, and even if you sign up you can choose not to turn over your video.

Technology makes it possible for homeowners to monitor their cameras in real-time on their computer or mobile phone.  Jones is sensitive to the privacy issue.

“I thought it was critical for the success of this program that we not be able to tie into folk’s video tape…even if people want us to, that’s not something we are going to do.” Jones said.

The program is over 2 years in the making.  The department’s current web and mapping vendor created the program for the Sacramento Sheriffs Department because such a system didn’t exist in the country.  The department is not paying extra for the system which maps locations and communicates with homeowners who register.  If it’s a success in Sacramento, the program could be in demand in jurisdictions nationwide.