Let's have a look at CCTV cameras and the valuable evidence it can provide to assist police investigations.
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CCTV is now an affordable system that we can use to help with the security of our valuables and to dissuade offenders from committing crimes on our properties, however there are some crooks that do not care or cannot see the cameras and unfortunately for them get caught on CCTV which can be downloaded and forwarded to police to help with the investigation.
CCTV is good evidence, and it compliments any other evidence that may be gleaned from a crime scene such as fingerprints and DNA.
Police require evidence to lead them to the person who committed the crime and must prove beyond a reasonable doubt to a magistrate in court that the person in front of them is guilty as charged.
However, the court of public opinion on social network sites are not held to the same standard that police investigations are.
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We have all seen Facebook videos of crooks committing crimes and the public posting names of the offenders and expressing their discontent at the actions of the alleged offender, however there are times that the CCTV is posted on social networks before the footage is handed to police.
Placing CCTV on social networks may hinder an investigation and may also lead to persons being named and shamed who are not the offender but merely a person that resembles the crook.
NSW Police have a Facebook page (EYEWATCH) and yes, we have a local page for the South Coast Police District. This is a powerful tool for us to use to identify offenders.
Images of a person of interest is posted onto the Eyewatch page, however we ask that any person with information regarding the person of interest to contact local police or Crime Stoppers.
This will ensure that any images or CCTV will be admissible in court and the identification of the accused is solid.
When you report a crime and you have CCTV footage, please hand it to police and resist the temptation to put the footage on social media as your first action. Have a chat to the investigator and ask if it is appropriate.
Remember that you can Dob in a Druggie any time you like by contacting Nowra Police on 4421 9699 or ringing Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. If it looks suss, report it. Do not drink and drive. As always, in case of emergency, call (000). Non Emergencies contact Police Assistance Line on 131444 or your local police. To provide anonymous information call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Domestic and Family Violence Info visit www.police.nsw.gov.au. Shoalhaven Domestic Violence Officers. 4421 9666 or 4421 9665. Email shoaldvlo@police.nsw.gov.au
Don't forget. Cops are tops.
Read more: Crime/Court