WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Warner Robins’ new Fusus camera system sparks mixed reactions among residents and business owners.
The program, designed to help police quickly access security footage, has been praised by some for its efficiency in solving crimes and accidents, while others have expressed privacy concerns.
The Fusus system allows residents and businesses to register their security cameras with the Warner Robins Police Department. By doing so, they can provide varying levels of access to their footage, making it easier for law enforcement to request and review recordings during investigations.
Avani Patel runs Lo-Lo Gas Station in Warner Robins. It is among the local businesses that have signed up for the program. She says she believes the system enhances safety and makes it easier to identify crimes or accidents near her store.
“It is safe and secure for the city, definitely,” Patel said. “If they want to come and get footage from us, now they can do it easily.”
Lieutenant Eric Gossman of the Warner Robins Police Department says the department recently used footage from registered cameras to help identify a victim who had fled from an armed robbery. The footage played a crucial role in aiding prosecutors with the case.
“It was a success story,” Gossman said. “It just makes our jobs a lot easier and builds that connection with the community.”
However, not all residents are convinced. Genebria Barrett voiced concerns about the potential invasion of privacy.
“I still feel like it’s an invasion of privacy with other people’s cameras,” Barrett said. “They can install their own cameras, but they don’t need to be getting into anyone else’s cameras. I don’t know if I trust them enough.”
Another resident, Betsy Franklin, echoed a different sentiment, saying she doesn’t ever think about entering a store unless it has surveillance cameras present.
Despite these concerns, Lieutenant Gossman emphasized that the Fusus system is voluntary and that homeowners can also register their Ring doorbell cameras. He noted that the system now includes over 9,000 integrated cameras, and the number is growing as more residents and businesses participate.
Warner Robins police say that while they understand the privacy concerns, the cameras are only accessed when necessary. Those interested in registering their cameras can do so by visiting the department’s website.