How You Can Use Video Security Effectively
in Your Neighborhood

In a genuine emergency, everyone should dial 911 immediately.

If you believe an incident may have been captured by an LCSC security camera call the Lancaster Bureau of Police non-emergency number: 717-664-1180. Describe the incident in question (exact date, time, location, etc.). THE CALL MUST BE MADE WITHIN FIVE DAYS! The LCSC system records and retains video from the previous 5 to 7 days. After that, the data is permanently deleted as new images are recorded.  This process is automatic and there is no way to retrieve video once it is overwritten.

Remember:If an emergency is occurring, call 911 immediately. If you are reporting an incident that occurred earlier, or reporting a “non-emergency”, call the City Police non-emergency phone number at 717-664-1180.

The effectiveness of security cameras is directly related to the other key components of the LCSC mission: environmental design (lighting, fencing, landscaping, etc.) and a mobilized community of concerned neighbors and friends. 

LCSC cameras operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and staff monitor the system 18-24 hours each day. Camera System Operators are trained to spot triggering events such as crimes in progress, medical emergencies, fires and/or car accidents.  When a triggering event is observed, Camera System Operators contact County-Wide Communications to dispatch emergency personnel immediately.

LCSC staff have the ability to transmit a live video feed to dispatchers who can advise police or other emergency personnel of activity on the scene while they are on route. This helps fire, police or ambulance personnel be better prepared to deal with the situation upon arrival.

IMPORTANT: CALL POLICE RIGHT AWAY if you believe a crime occurred within view of an LCSC camera. After 5-7 days, we may not be able to assist police in their investigation.

Will the LCSC Provide Video Directly to You?

No. The police will create an incident report from your call, and provide us with the exact time, date and location. Here’s what happens next:

1. The investigating officer(s) submit a written request for a review of video at a specific location and time period.
2. LCSC staff review video as requested and attempt to identify individuals, vehicles or activities as described by investigators.
3. LCSC staff notify investigators whether any of the requested information is available on the specified segments of recorded video. If no evidence is found, the recorded video remains on the system until new images are recorded over it.
4. If potentially useful information is found on the specified segment of video, the investigating officer must submit a second document requesting that the specified video be provided as evidence in their investigation. A CD or DVD of the recorded evidence is provided to law enforcement. The LCSC follows established legal chain of custody protocols in the handling of any video evidence.

Strict organizational policies dictate that video evidence only be shared with law enforcement and/or the district attorney for use in criminal investigations and court proceedings. On rare occasions, when subpoenaed, the Coalition will provide video evidence in auto accident cases if police are involved in the accident investigation.

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