Santa Cruz County deputies launch Neighborhood Video Partnership

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is the latest law enforcement agency to implement the Neighborhood Video Partnership.

“There’s a third eye that pretty much shows exactly what happens,” said Tom Hope.

Cameras are just about everywhere these days, even Pacific Coffee Roasting Company in Aptos. Owner Tom Hope said security is important.

“Crime always seems to happen when you’re not here,” said Hope.

That’s why deputies in Santa Cruz County are asking residents and business owners to register their security cameras. They hope the new Neighborhood Video Partnership will help catch criminals in the act.

By registering the camera, the sheriff’s office has a database of potential resources when investigating a crime.

“The faster we can identify the suspect in all these case, the faster in many cases they can get their property back,” said Sgt. Roy Morales with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office will not have direct access to any video system. Deputies would only contact you if a crime happens in your neighborhood.

“So if there’s a crime say at 123 Main Street, deputies can log on to a system and see how many people have video surveillance systems, and then contact them and see if they would be willing to share video with us,” said Morales.

Security footage has already been helpful in solving crimes. Earlier this year, video helped identify and arrest the so-called Aptos Prowler. And in Soquel, surveillance video helped catch an arson suspect.

For business owner like Hope, he said he supports any program that helps keep Aptos safe.

“Aptos has been a wonderful place to live and do business,” said Hope. “There are so many people that come here from all over the world just to experience what we get to live every day.”

If you are interested in becoming a Neighborhood Video Partner with the sheriff’s office, visit www.scsheriff.com.

Capitola, Seaside and King City are some of the other law enforcement agencies already utilizing the Neighborhood Video Partnership.