Canton Police Department in South Dakota has taken to social media to solve crimes and make arrests by using security footage. The increasing quality and affordability of security cameras have made them a common feature not only in businesses but also in homes, intersections, and public spaces like the Sioux Falls bike trail.
Recently, both the Canton Police Department and the Aberdeen Police Department successfully made arrests with the help of security footage. The Canton Police Department shared photos of a person stealing items from cars, while the Aberdeen Police Department posted a video of a pickup involved in a hit-and-run crash.
According to Sergeant Brad Jung of the Aberdeen Police Department, without the security footage and eyewitness accounts from the crash, they would not have been able to solve the case. The Sioux Falls Police Department’s Public Information Officer, Sam Clemens, also emphasized the importance of having visual evidence in investigations, stating that footage showing the exact sequence of events is invaluable.
To further aid in solving crimes, Sioux Empire Crime Stoppers collaborates closely with the Sioux Falls Police Department. They share photos of suspects on social media and provide an anonymous tipline for tips. Presently, there are over 300 unsolved crimes listed on their website.
Sam Clemens added that sharing images and videos of suspects not only helps law enforcement but also engages the public in the process. The more people who see the footage, the higher the chances that someone will recognize the individual involved.
However, the police also caution that safety should be the top priority when obtaining footage of a crime. They do not encourage individuals to put themselves in harm’s way to capture video or photos. Instead, they recommend reporting to the authorities or using the Crime Stoppers tipline.
If anyone has information about the crimes listed on the Crime Stoppers website, they can call 367-7007 or utilize the p-3 tips app. Those whose reports lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward while remaining anonymous.
The increasing use of security footage in solving crimes highlights how technology can play a crucial role in law enforcement. By harnessing the power of visuals and engaging the public, police departments in South Dakota are making strides in their investigations and arrests.
