Wolcott Police Launch High-Tech Neighborhood Watch

Wolcott Police Chief Edward Stephens
Photo credit Aaron Kupec/WTIC

WOLCOTT, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - The Wolcott Police Department is the first in Connecticut to launch a neighborhood watch program powered by Ring, makers of camera-equipped doorbells and other home security devices.

Now, following a crime, police can request home security footage from homes in the area using the Neighbors by Ring smartphone app. If a homeowner consents, their home security footage is sent to police.

Wolcott Police Chief Edward Stephens says it's a powerful tool in helping to solve crimes such as package thefts, burglaries and larcenies.

He notes that it puts a modern spin on neighborhood watch programs. "A neighborhood is now a whole town," he said while demonstrating the new technology in his office Friday.