SAN MARCOS POLICE DEPARTMENT
JOHN CLARK
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The San Marcos Police Department has introduced Connect San Marcos, a program that will allow residents and business owners to share video evidence from their security cameras during investigations.
This volunteer initiative, which began this month, gives commu- nity members an opportunity to collaborate with the police department by registering their cameras to provide officers with timely information when responding to emergencies.
“Video can be the difference between solving a case and it going cold,” said San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge. “This program speeds up the investigative process by letting us know where cameras are located without having to knock on every door.”
To obtain video footage, investigators must request access from the camera owner and receive permission. The registry map is accessible only to authorized personnel and used solely for specific, active investigations.
The program, a partnership with Fusus by Axon, does not provide police with direct access to private security cameras. Instead, it creates a confidential, encrypted map of registered cameras, allowing investigators to quickly contact camera owners if a critical incident occurs nearby.
Axon was an early investor in Flock Safety, but dissolved the partnership in the first half of 2025. Axon has previously sold license plate readers for installation in law enforcement vehicles, and in April of this year, announced that they are now selling AIpowered lightpolemounted ALPR cameras. The Flock Safety website currently shows a sideby- side comparison of Flock and Axon ALPR cameras, calling attention to the differences between the two products.
Russell Wilde, Public, Safety Communications Specialist for the City of San Marcos, said that the city continues to have an agreement with Flock Safety, and has entered into an agreement with Axon as well.
“Axon Fusus is separate from Flock,” said Wilde. “At the basic level, it is just a list of people informing us they have a camera. That can be any brand of camera.
“The idea is that if an incident happens, police will know where potential cameras are from the start. Officers would still need to contact the camera owner and get permission to see the video. Police do this now, and the list hopefully speeds up the process,” according to Wilde.
In addition to registering their cameras, businesses can choose to integrate their camera systems with SMPD. This option allows them to share live video feeds during emergencies.
Integration requires a small Axon FususCORE device that plugs into existing camera systems. Once installed, it securely enables camera sharing based on chosen settings without impacting networks, according to the Connect San Marcos website.
Choosing to integrate offers several benefits, according to a press release from the city. Officers receive real-time situational awareness, improving emergency response times. Camera owners retain full control, deciding which cameras to share and when.
“The San Marcos Police Department remains committed to leveraging community partnerships to enhance safety in our city,” said Chief Standridge. “Programs like Connect San Marcos empower residents and businesses to play an active role in protecting their neighborhoods. Privacy, transparency, and community trust remain at the core of this initiative.”
All participation in the program is voluntary, and the police department can only access video footage when permission is granted by the camera owner.
Residents and businesses can register or learn more at connectsanmarcos. org.
