Police seek community camera collaboration

TRUMANN, Ark. (KAIT) - Law enforcement officials in Trumann are ramping up efforts to enhance city safety, but they’re calling for support from residents owning security cameras.

Police are urging residents to disclose the locations of video cameras within the city, ranging from Ring doorbells at private residences to surveillance systems installed by local businesses.

Trumann Safe is the latest safety initiative for the Trumann Police Department. Chief of Police Jonathan Redman said they plan to use live security cameras in the city to help solve crimes.

“All of us working together, we are able to solve crime faster,” Redman said.

Tashena Smith, a Trumann resident, commends the efforts of the local police department amidst growing concerns about safety.

“It’s gotten a little scary, but I feel like the police here are doing a good job,” Smith said.

The initiative offers participation options. Residents can enroll their cameras, notify the police of their existence for potential crime investigations, or integrate them directly into the police department’s monitoring system with consent.

“They will integrate the cameras into our Flock Safety system so that we can watch those, of course, everything we watch is with your permission,” Redman said.

Flock Safety, the program utilized by the city’s Real-Time Crime Center, will soon receive an upgrade with six new live cameras, including installations at key intersections and parks such as Cedar Park.

Sixteen-year-old Trumann High School student Arzell Rulford hopes more cameras will slow the crime rate. Rulford said if the city is safer, so is his school.

“If it comes down to our school having threats, then we can know and be aware of the attention,” Rulford said.

Flock Security offers purchasing options for those without existing cameras that seamlessly integrate with public safety efforts.

Chief Redman said the reassurance that surveillance cameras provide to residents, makes them feel safer. He encouraged all camera owners to at least enroll their devices.

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