Rogers Residents Debate New Police Camera Registry

Some see the voluntary program as a way to help solve crimes, while others raise privacy concerns.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:49am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a security camera lens against a pitch-black background, the harsh direct flash creating a stark, gritty visual that conceptually represents the debate over surveillance and privacy in the community.A new voluntary camera registry program in Rogers, Arkansas aims to help police solve crimes, but raises privacy concerns among some residents.Rogers Today

The Rogers Police Department has launched a new voluntary camera registry program called 'Connect Rogers' that allows residents and businesses to register their security cameras with the department. The goal is to help officers identify nearby cameras that could provide footage in the event of a crime or emergency. While some business owners see the program as a way to improve public safety, other residents have expressed uncertainty about the privacy implications and how the program would be implemented.

Why it matters

The debate over the Connect Rogers program highlights the ongoing tension between public safety and individual privacy when it comes to surveillance technology. As more cities explore ways to leverage private security cameras, there are concerns about how to balance the potential benefits of solving crimes with the need to protect people's reasonable expectations of privacy.

The details

The Connect Rogers program has two levels - the first allows people to register their cameras so police know where they are located, while the second allows for direct camera integration so police can access footage in emergencies. Some business owners like Kori Stanton see the program as a way to improve safety, while others like Jan Oftedahl are unsure about the logistics. A local resident named Sally said her comfort level would depend on the specific privacy protections and access policies.

  • The Connect Rogers program was launched by the Rogers Police Department on April 13, 2026.

The players

Rogers Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Rogers, Arkansas that launched the Connect Rogers camera registry program.

Kori Stanton

The owner of Baked by Corey, a downtown Rogers business, who sees the camera registry as a way to improve safety for local businesses.

Jan Oftedahl

A Rogers resident who expressed uncertainty about the logistics and implementation of the Connect Rogers program.

Sally

A Rogers employee who said her comfort level with the program would depend on the privacy protections and access policies.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's a great idea to help businesses stay safe, and there's not a lot of crime down here, but you never know what can happen.”

— Kori Stanton, Business Owner

“I'm not sure how many people would be involved, but it sounds like kind of a logistical nightmare to me. I'm not sure who would be monitoring this. I just have a hard time visualizing it working.”

— Jan Oftedahl, Resident

“I think I personally would not be comfortable with that. I would have to know more about the legality of it, honestly, when they could access it, when they could use the footage, if there would have to be like subpoena process, or if at any point they could just log on and see, especially anything inside of a business or a home.”

— Sally, Employee

What’s next

The Rogers Police Department plans to continue promoting the Connect Rogers program to residents and businesses in the coming months to increase participation.

The takeaway

The debate over the Connect Rogers camera registry highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in balancing public safety initiatives with individual privacy concerns. As more communities explore ways to leverage private security cameras, finding the right policies and safeguards will be crucial.