Members of law enforcement throughout Monmouth County are partnering with business owners and residents to help solve crimes through Operation Watchdog.
The countywide program is led by the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association, according to a press release.
Operation Watchdog enables business owners and residents to register their video surveillance systems with the sheriff’s office in an effort to assist in and expedite criminal
investigations, according to the press release.
“This is an extremely beneficial partnership from all ends since it increases safety and helps
solve and reduce crimes more efficiently,” Sheriff Shaun Golden said. “Surveillance cameras are crime fighting tools and registering them through Operation Watchdog saves members of law enforcement time when it comes to determining the location of video cameras which may contain valuable footage of criminal activity. I’m proud to launch another initiative where law enforcement and the community can work together for the greater good.”
Monmouth County is the first county in the state to offer Operation Watchdog, according to the press release.
The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office credits the Toms River Police Department, where
Golden was an officer for many years, for implementing the program on the local level. Operation Watchdog is voluntary and provides police with information on the locations of video surveillance cameras.
The information is safe, secure, not made public and police will not ask for direct or live access to a camera. Instead, they will reach out to a registered business owner or homeowner in the event that video is needed for an investigation, according to the press release.
To register for Operation Watchdog, visit operationwatchdog.mcsonj.org. The first two
Monmouth County businesses to sign up for the program were iPlay America and Rook Coffee.
“iPlay America is proud to be a part of Operation Watchdog,” said Bob McDaid, the owner and founder of iPlay America, Freehold Township. “One of our core values as an organization is safety, not just within our facility, but within our community as well. This program allows us to further enhance our community involvement,”
Registration is free and takes a few minutes to complete. A registrant’s contact information is provided along with the location of the cameras. Upon completion of the application, a member of law enforcement will follow up to confirm information, according to the press release.