January 7, 2019
CONTACT: Officer Chuck McPhilamy
770.794.5370
Marietta Police Department Announces their new SMILE (Systems in Marietta Intersecting with Law Enforcement) Program
MARIETTA - Sharp (12%) reduction in crime reported for 2018 within the Marietta city limits. Chief Flynn attributes the reduction in part to the cooperation of city residents as well as the partnership formed with several local businesses. “Encouraged by many positive cards, letters and other expressions of support as well as an increase in tips from citizens, the MPD plans to take our public safety partnerships to the next level in 2019 by harnessing modern security technology.”
Our goal is to build a secure map of surveillance camera systems already installed within the city. In the event a crime occurs, investigators could view the new SMILE map to determine which cameras may have captured images of a suspect. This new map will not have access to any cameras or systems, but simply document their locations as well as the contact information the owner provided. The map will only be accessible to law enforcement personnel. The SMILE program is completely voluntary, confidential and free. Homeowners and business owners retain all system access, videos and images just like they always have. Providing investigators with this new map will reduce time walking neighborhoods and potentially speed up investigations.
Homeowner Associations began inquiring last year about private Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) for their subdivisions. One such system, installed as a trial, was responsible for the apprehension of a wanted felon as well as the recovery of a stolen vehicle in an ongoing investigation. The MPD supports the use of these technologies as a way of deterring crime as well as providing valuable information if a crime occurs. ALPR locations will be a valuable addition to the SMILE map.
Residents and business owners are urged to join us in assembling this crime fighting map. The direct link to the registration page: https://arcg.is/1i9Gy90
Please direct all questions concerning the completion of the form to Officer Michael Freer at mfreer@mariettaga.gov or via telephone at (770) 794-5265.