Cody PD Hopes to “eXPAND” Crime Coverage with Home Security Cameras

Cameras don’t lie – home security cameras often assist in catching crimes and criminals, and recent events have the Cody Police Department hoping to get “all eyes on Cody.”

The Cody Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in building a safer community. To do this, the department asks residents to consider adding their security cameras to the eXPAND (Electronic Protection Amplified Night and Day) program.

“With the recent tragic murders in Moscow, Idaho, and the subsequent suspect arrest,” the message reads, “we wanted to again ask you to partner with us and register your security cameras with the Cody PD’s eXPAND program.”

On Nov. 13, 2022, four University of Idaho students – Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin – were killed while they slept in a home in Moscow, Idaho. A suspect – Bryan Christopher Kohberger – was arrested on Friday, Dec. 30. He currently faces four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary.

Cameras were a crucial step in identifying and capturing the suspect in this horrific crime. Kohberger’s white van and its information were captured on several private-party, business, and governmental surveillance cameras, leading to his arrest.

Courtesy Pexels & Francersco Ungaro

The Cody Police Department wants to cover all contingencies, and additional cameras can make all the difference and expedite the long, tenuous process of crime investigation.

eXPAND allows residents to register their cameras – at their homes or businesses – with the Cody Police Department at no charge. By doing so, Cody P.D. has access to those cameras during investigations.

No Cody officer can access any camera in the eXPAND program directly – the department must receive business or homeowner approval before accessing the cameras. Cameras only appear as dots on the map, only accessed – with permission – if a crime is perpetrated in the area.

According to Cody P.D., the process for officers to complete a “video canvas” for any crime can be “cumbersome and time-consuming.” Registered home and business cameras save precious time during the early stages of an investigation. When Detectives of the Cody P.D. know the locations of surveillance cameras in a given area, they can contact the owners of cameras in the area and obtain the footage.

“No single factor has been more crucial to reducing crime and increasing a sense of security in Cody than the partnerships we develop with the residents and businesses in the community,” said Cody Chief of Police Chuck Baker. “We know that in order to be truly effective, the Cody Police Department cannot operate alone; we must have the trust and active support of our citizens and business owners.”

From video doorbells and permanent security systems to late-model vehicles with built-in 360° cameras – any surveillance camera can be registered with the eXPAND program.

Go to the Cody Police Department website for full program details, or scan the QR Code with your mobile device to register your cameras today.

Courtesy Cody Police Department