PARKER, Colo. (KDVR) — Parker police are asking community members to take part in a voluntary program aimed at making investigations faster and more effective — and it all starts with a security camera.

The “VISION” program, which stands for Voluntary Inclusion of Security Investigation on Neighborhoods, allows residents and business owners to register the locations of their private surveillance cameras with the Parker Police Department.

Police say the registry doesn’t provide them with live access to camera feeds, but instead lets officers know where cameras are located in case of a nearby crime, missing person case or other emergency. That way, officers can quickly reach out to the owner and ask to review footage.

“When the opportunity came for us to utilize this new technology and give the community the opportunity to help us solve crimes, we really thought this was a great avenue,” said Josh Hans, public information officer with the Parker Police Department.

The system is already proving helpful to law enforcement. Hardey Beitz, who owns Hardey’s Motorwerks, said he recently assisted police with video footage after they came by his business looking for surveillance in a specific time frame.

“It was a uniformed officer that came in, and asked if we could go through some times,” Beitz said. “He came back later that afternoon, and we pulled up the time he was looking for.”

Hans emphasized the value of acting quickly in investigations, especially when someone is in danger.

“Many times speed is critical to helping us — whether it’s solving a case, locating a missing child, or an at-risk adult,” he said. “If we can go onto this map and see where cameras are located in neighborhoods, we can start there.”

So far, hundreds of cameras across Parker have already been registered. Police are hoping even more residents and business owners will join.

“The eyes are always on,” Beitz added. “And if they can help assist in crime, so be it.”

Participation is free, and registration takes just a few minutes. More details are available on the Parker Police Department’s website.