By Kris Leonhardt

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Wisconsin Rapids Police Department (WRPD) has instituted a program to help aid in future investigations.

“It is a security camera registration program where citizens and businesses can register their camera information which we can then reference in the future if we have an investigation in the area. We do not have access or ability to view anyone’s cameras but just knowledge that they are there and would reach out if needed,” said Wisconsin Rapids Police Detective Eric Daven.

Daven said that the program is something that is done throughout the country, and cities such as: Madison, La Crosse, West Allis, and Oconomowoc have already instituted programs.

Those owning security systems register through the Wisconsin Rapids police department.

“The registered information is feed into a secure interactive map that Officers can login in to. If an officer has a case in an area they can use the map to locate potential cameras in the area and then use the contact information to reach out to the owner to see if they have any useful footage,” Daven said.

“The map is secured and only accessible by WRPD Members. Though we would work with other jurisdictions, such as Wood County Sheriff’s Department or Grand Rapids Police Department  if they would like to see if any cameras are in an area reference their cases.”

Residents and businesses can register at www.wirapids.org/Security-Camera-Registration.html.

For more information, contact Daven at ​edaven@wirapids.org or ​715-421-6215.

By signing up, you are letting the department “know the cameras exist so (officers) can reach out to you if a crime happens in your neighborhood.”