AMES, Iowa — The newly introduced Community Camera Program could help deter crime and aid police during investigations, according to the Ames Police Department.

The Ames Police Department announced the program in a Facebook post on Friday. Members of the community can voluntarily register their security cameras with the Community Camera Program to help officers gather information for investigations.

“Neighborhood canvasses take time, and time can be critical when officers are looking for information quickly and are trying to identify critical investigative leads. Often, security camera systems capture valuable information, however it may go unnoticed if the resident or business owner is unaware of the crime. Knowing where to look for valuable video evidence increases the efficiency and effectiveness of our investigations,” the website says.

The program allows authorities to know where cameras are located, officers will then contact residents in the area and ask them to share footage. The Ames PD says there will not be live access.

The Ames PD says the footage taken from cameras will be for official use only and that all personal information shared with the department will remain confidential.

Authorities say the cameras and program may help investigators solve crimes faster and could deter crimes in areas with camera coverage.

You can learn more about the program on the City of Ames Community Programs and Crime Prevention website under the Community Camera Program tab.