The footage that helps solve a crime or locate a missing person could come from a neighbour's security camera.
The Amherst Police Department Camera Registry is a voluntary program that helps officers quickly identify nearby security cameras when investigating incidents such as thefts, vandalism, property damage, missing persons, or other events where video may assist.
By registering your camera, you're not giving the Amherst Police Department access to your live video or recordings. Instead, you're simply letting officers know a camera exists at your property. If an incident occurs nearby, an officer may contact you to ask whether your camera captured anything that could help. Whether you choose to share footage is always your decision.
It's a simple way for neighbours to help neighbours and work in partnership with the Amherst Police Department to make our community safer.
How It Works
Register Your Camera
Voluntarily let the Amherst Police Department know where your security camera is located.
Police May Contact You
If an incident occurs nearby, an officer may contact you to ask whether your camera captured anything that could help.
You Decide
You decide whether to share footage that may assist the investigation. Sharing footage is always your choice.
Ready To Participate?
Questions and Answers
What is the APD Camera Registry Program?
The APD Camera Registry is a voluntary community safety initiative that helps the Amherst Police Department identify nearby security cameras when investigating crimes, missing persons or other incidents where video footage may assist. The registry lets police know where cameras are located, but it does not provide access to cameras or recordings.
Why is this program a benefit for our community?
Video footage can help police investigate crimes, identify suspects, locate missing persons and gather information following an incident. By joining the registry, residents and businesses become community partners who may be able to provide useful information when it is needed.
What types of cameras can be registered, and what happens after I sign up?
Most privately owned security cameras may be registered, including exterior home cameras, business security cameras and doorbell cameras. Cameras that capture streets, sidewalks, parking areas or other outdoor spaces may be especially helpful during an investigation. After you submit the registration form, a member of the Amherst Police Department will contact you to confirm the information provided.
Is participation voluntary, and what does it mean to participate?
Yes. Participation is completely voluntary. Registering means letting the Amherst Police Department know that a security camera is located at your property. If an incident occurs nearby, an officer may contact you to ask whether your camera recorded anything that could assist an investigation. You are not required to actively monitor your camera for police, and whether you choose to share footage is always your decision.
Will police have access to my cameras or use the registry for surveillance?
No. Registering does not give the Amherst Police Department access to your live camera feed, archived recordings, passwords or camera system. Police cannot remotely monitor your property or watch your camera feed through the registry. Officers can only view footage if you choose to provide it.
How will my information be used and managed?
The information you provide will be used to administer the registry and help police identify cameras that may have captured footage relevant to an investigation. It will not be used for marketing or unrelated purposes, and your personal information and camera location will not be made available to the public. Access will be limited to authorized personnel, and records will be maintained, retained and securely disposed of in accordance with applicable records-management and privacy requirements.
Can I withdraw from the program, and where can I get more information?
Yes. You may ask to have your information removed from the registry at any time by contacting the Amherst Police Department. Removal requests will be processed in accordance with applicable records-management requirements. For more information, call 902-667-8600 or email
Want To Sign Up?
Become a community partner and let the Amherst Police Department know there is a camera at your property.
