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Register your security camera with the City of Portland to help the police investigate crime. If criminal activity occurs near your location, investigators may ask to review footage. This is a voluntary program. No one is required to share camera footage. You can withdraw from the registry anytime.
The City of Portland's Camera Registry is a voluntary program that allows businesses, service providers, and multi‑use buildings to register the locations of their security cameras. PEMO provides operational support to help maintain and coordinate this program, but the registry itself is a City initiative led by public safety partners.
The registry gives investigators a faster way to identify where cameras are located and how to contact their owners when a crime or fire occurs. Importantly, registering a camera does not provide the City with live access or automatic access to footage. Investigators may request recorded footage only for a specific case, and camera owners always decide whether to share it.
Similar registries are used in many cities. Portland Police Bureau detectives already seek camera footage when appropriate, but locating camera owners can take time. The registry helps streamline this process so more cases can move forward and victims can receive timely support.
The program also reinforces fairness and transparency. Recorded footage can serve as impartial evidence, helping build trust between the community and law enforcement.
While the initial rollout focuses on commercial spaces, participation is open to anyone. Enrollment is voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time by emailing pemo@portlandoregon.gov.