The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has been working with a database that enables deputies to save time when investigating cases.

SafeCam is a free camera registration database that the public can use to register their outdoor security cameras. If a crime happens in a given neighborhood, deputies access the database, enter the crime address, and learn what cameras are in the area. The database also tells how a camera owner wants to be contacted, such as by a phone call or text message. Armed with this knowledge, deputies approach the camera owner and ask for permission to see the requested videos.

Nick Hoschar of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said reviewing these videos can help investigators save time when pursuing an investigation. Yet he said the camera owner has no obligation to share such videos.

“They can say no,” Hoschar said.

The technology is new to the Harris County Sheriff’s office, which has been using it for about a month. However, he said, several agencies across the country have use this technology.

“We’re in the process of trying to bring in more agencies,” he said, adding that more data in the system is better for investigators.

Hoschar said the system is based on having outdoor security cameras, regardless of what brand.

“It’s whatever brand you have,” Hoschar said. “The only stipulation is that you have to be able to operate it. If you have cameras, what kind are they are where do they point?”

For more information on SafeCam, visit the website, the abbreviated URL for which is harriscountyso.org/services/safecam.