Community Camera Assistance Program
Your Camera Could Help Solve a Crime
South City Looks Out for Each Other
Your security camera could help investigators solve crimes, identify suspects, or piece together what happened during an incident in South San Francisco.
The South San Francisco Police Department is inviting residents and businesses to voluntarily join the Community Camera Assistance Program by letting us know where security cameras may be located throughout the city.
This program helps investigators quickly identify possible video footage during emergencies or criminal investigations. Even a single camera can provide important information.
Most importantly:
The Police Department does not access, monitor, or control your cameras.
Joining the program simply means investigators may contact you if an incident happens nearby and video footage could help.
Together, we can help keep South San Francisco a safe place to live, work, and play.
How the Program Works
Step 1: Join the Program
Residents and businesses voluntarily provide basic contact information and the general location of their cameras.
Step 2: An Incident Occurs Nearby
If a crime or emergency happens near your camera, investigators may contact you to ask whether you are willing to share footage that could help the investigation.
Step 3: You Decide
Sharing footage is always voluntary. You choose whether to provide video to the Police Department.
Why Participate?
- Help investigators solve crimes faster
- Support safer neighborhoods and businesses
- Assist during emergencies or missing person investigations
- Strengthen community partnerships
- Help protect your neighborhood without giving up control of your cameras
Every camera can help piece together part of the story.
Privacy Matters
We understand privacy concerns, and protecting your information is important to us.
The South San Francisco Police Department:
- Does NOT have live access to your cameras
- Does NOT monitor your camera feed
- Does NOT control your camera system
- Does NOT automatically receive recordings
- Will only contact you if footage may help an investigation nearby
Participation in the program is completely voluntary.
Click here to sign up for the program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Community Camera Assistance Program?
The program is a voluntary partnership between the South San Francisco Police Department and community members who own security cameras. It helps investigators know where cameras may be located if footage is needed during an investigation.
Who can join?
Any South San Francisco resident or business owner with a security camera system may participate.
Does the Police Department have access to my cameras?
No. The Police Department cannot view, monitor, or control your cameras. Joining the program does not give the Police Department live access to your system.
Will the Police Department record or store my video?
No. The Police Department only receives footage if you voluntarily choose to share it during an investigation.
Am I required to provide footage if contacted?
No. Participation is voluntary. If investigators contact you, you can decide whether you want to share footage.
Why does this program matter?
Video footage can help investigators:
- Identify suspects or vehicles
- Solve crimes more quickly
Even footage that seems minor can become an important piece of an investigation.
What information do I need to provide?
Participants typically provide:
- General description of camera coverage
No passwords, usernames, or camera access information are requested.
Can I leave the program later?
Yes. You may request removal from the program at any time.