When it comes to solving crimes, Arlington Police say surveillance video is worth its weight in gold.

“Video surveillance is very valuable,” said Detective Josh Gowins, who works in the Arlington Police Department’s Central Investigations unit. “We’ve solved many cases by video surveillance alone.”

Getting that video, though, can be a challenge. Unless someone calls police to say they have surveillance cameras, officers have to go door-to-door to find out where any cameras are located when they’re investigating a crime.
Even then, Gowins says, there are no guarantees that person will be home when officers stop by – and officers may not be able to recover that video before it’s deleted.

That’s why the Arlington Police Department has launched its new “Neighborhood Eyes” program.