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KINGSTON — Similar to the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department’s recruitment of volunteers with private security cameras, the Kingston Municipal Police Department has initiated its own program to fight crime.

“Video surveillance is one of the best methods for apprehending criminals and convicting suspects who are caught in the act of committing crime,” Kingston police posted on their Facebook page launching its ‘CAPTURE’ program.

“Video surveillance is a great crime deterrent and offers investigative leads in the event a crime does occur. The Kingston Municipal Police Department strongly encourages installing residential and business surveillance systems.”

The separate programs are similar in seeking residents and businesses to register their security cameras with the respective police departments.

For both programs, registration is strictly voluntary and police in Wilkes-Barre and Kingston will have no access to the private security footage until the video is surrendered.

Wilkes-Barre launched its program, the Community Video Surveillance Program, seeking volunteers earlier this month.

On Tuesday, city police on their Facebook page stated more than 27 cameras have been registered with more on the way.

“Working together we can make Wilkes-Barre a better place,” city police posted.

Those who register their private cameras will be contacted by police in the event a crime occurs in the vicinity of the cameras.

The program is an attempt to save time as police officers and detectives have previously gone door-to-door seeking video footage.

“By registering with the Kingston Municipal Police Department, we can quickly identify nearby cameras that may have CAPTUREd criminal activity. If a crime occurs in your neighborhood, you may be contacted by a member of the Kingston Municipal Police Department and be asked if you would examine the time frame in question for potential leads in the investigation,” Kingston police posted.

Police routinely release surveillance pictures taken from private security cameras in an attempt to identify suspects. Footage is also used to build criminal cases against defendants during court proceedings.

To register with Kingston, visit the Kingston Municipal Police Department’s Facebook page or call 570-288-3674.

Wilkes-Barre residents or business owners can visit the city’s website at https://www.wilkes-barre.city/…/wilkes-barre-city-police-dept.