Orland Park Trustee Sean Kampas said voluntary camera registration will help the police solve crimes quicker. (Photo by Jeff Vorva)
Home security cameras could be big help to Orland cops
By Jeff Vorva
Residents of Orland Park could have a hand in solving crime in the village.
The board of trustees unanimously approved to move forward with a voluntary security camera registration program at its Jan. 4 meeting. It’s expected to start on Feb. 1.
This program gives citizens and businesses a chance to assist the police by allowing them to use footage from security cameras that they own.
“This will save time for investigators,” Trustee Sean Kampas said. “I know there are a lot of folks out there who have these doorbell cameras and want to contribute. This is a great way to go about that.”
The program does not allow the police automatic access to the cameras, it only provides information that a camera is present and at a home or business and how to contact someone for access to the footage.
“Traditionally, one of the first steps in a criminal investigation is to canvass the area security cameras, which may have recorded relevant information for the police,” a village document said. “During this phase of the investigation, an officer will walk or drive through an area looking for residences or businesses that have security cameras.
“While this program will not eliminate the need to perform this step, it will allow an officer to have immediate information that someone has a camera in the area.”
The document said it is easier to prove cases when video is involved.
“In recent years, technology has become a very important factor in solving crime. Security camera systems have decreased in price and have become much more user-friendly,” it said. “Because of this, many more businesses and citizens have installed security cameras on their property.
“The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has always inquired about footage when attempting to obtain felony charges. As history has shown, crimes that occur with no security camera footage, but still have other pieces of evidence, have a more difficult time in obtaining felony approval than crimes captured on security cameras.”
Local News
Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.
Neighbors
Orland Park Library collecting candy wrappers
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Candy has taken on a whole new life at one local library. The Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, is happy to announce the launch of its very first Trash or Treasure candy wrapper recycling campaign. The Trash or Treasure program helps reduce the waste that…
Hickory Hills adds new police officer
Spread the loveBy Nuha Abdessalam Hickory Hills Police Chief Jason Bray welcomed Andre Showers as the city’s newest police officer during last week’s city council meeting. Aldermen and the community at the April 11 meeting helped celebrate the induction of the Showers, 21. He’s an Army veteran and a 2023 Cook County Correctional Camp graduate…
Marist celebrates cultural diversity
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Marist High School appreciates the wide array of culture that walks its campus hallways on a daily basis. In order to celebrate, the high school, 4200 W. 115th St., Chicago, hosted its second annual Celebration of Culture on March 14. During the free event, students, faculty and staff represented their…
Palos Heights Knights of Columbus donate to GiGi’s Playhouse
Spread the loveGrand Knight John Laskey and Past Grand Knight Brian Mellenthin of St. Theodore Guerin Knights of Columbus Council 14057 presented a check for $1,500 to GiGi’s Playhouse of Tinley Park, one of several donations to local groups resulting from the Knights of Columbus’ Fall Tootsie Roll Drive. One of the most recognizable activities…
Worth police join task force to combat auto thefts
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle An agreement has been reached between the villages of Worth and Thornton regarding participation in the Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Task Force. Worth Police Chief Tim Denton said the approval of the memorandum to participate in the task force is necessary. “It’s no secret that there has been an increase…
A simple idea for Earth Day
Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 517-7796 . Moving right along through April, as the days get longer and nicer, time will start to go by faster. We have Earth Day on April 22 and the start of Passover at sunset.…
Bingo at St. Clare was something to yell about
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . Recently I mentioned a bingo fundraiser the Augustinian Young Adults of St. Rita of Cascia Parish were holding. This was their first attempt at a bingo and they put on a really nice event. Held…
One thing is certain: life goes on
Spread the love. Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . I get a lot of calls from residents who are discouraged about our neighborhood. There are so many car accidents, shootings and violent crimes being committed in West Lawn and surrounding areas. It certainly is challenging to stay hopeful and positive. Here is a paragraph…
Biz groups battle over names, logos
Spread the love. UBAM, MCC trade barbs . By Dermot Connolly and Tim Hadac The leader of one Midway-area business association is accusing the other of bad faith, and the leader of the other is scratching her head over the dustup. United Business Association of Midway Executive Director Anita Cummings recently claimed that a rival…