The Community Cam initiative allows locals to register their cameras with Gore Police, so that when a crime occurs, authorities know who to contact for the footage.
Sergeant Rebecca Dore said the initiative would cut down investigation time for police while still protecting the privacy of those who signed up.
They do not have direct access to the cameras, but instead of door knocking an entire street, they will know much faster who to ask for footage of a potential crime.
"Normally we would door-knock every house, which was quite hard for people who are at work and things and cameras aren't always super visible," she said.
They can contact nearby camera owners and if they are willing and the videos relevant, police can send a link to which the neighbour can upload footage.
Neighbourhood Support Eastern Southland local area co-ordinator Karen Bellew said the database was invented by a member of the charity in Mangere Bridge, South Auckland, who had a background in computers.
"She thought it was so laborious for the police having to door-knock, so why don't we just do this?" she said.
Ms Bellew again emphasised the network’s privacy and how it helped people
to feel they were contributing to the community’s safety, she said.
With Neighbourhood Support’s growing presence in Gore and relationship with police, it made sense to bring the technology here, she said.
This "growing" relationship with police, includes the appointment of Sgt Dore as police liaison officer for the support group.
"It just makes sense for us to roll this out and to keep people feeling safer and contributing," Ms Bellew said.
In terms of solving crimes, there was nothing more beneficial than video footage, Sgt Dore said.
