As technology continues to evolve, so do the tools used by law enforcement to protect communities. In the City of Camden, video surveillance cameras have become one of those tools—quietly working in the background to help deter crime, assist investigations, and improve public safety.
To better understand how these cameras are used, we spoke with Camden Police Chief Jack Rushing and Captain Justin Dill, who shared insight into how the system works, where cameras are placed, and the safeguards in place to protect residents’ privacy.
Camden’s camera program began about two and a half years ago, following an infrastructure grant related to water and sewer improvements. That grant allowed the city to include law-enforcement assistance tools, including surveillance cameras.
Rushing mentioned other cities such as Columbia and Orangeburg, where these systems have been in place for many years and how effective these systems are when used responsibly. Camden initially installed three cameras through the grant and later expanded the program. Today, the city has 18 cameras in operation.
The cameras are not owned outright by the city; instead, Camden pays a monthly fee to use them, ensuring ongoing maintenance and functionality.
Most cameras are placed on main roadways and thoroughfares—areas where vehicles and people naturally travel when entering or leaving the city. These locations were chosen strategically, not because they are “high-crime areas,” but because they are high-traffic routes.
Examples include major streets like York Street and Mill Street, which allow quick access in and out of city limits. Law enforcement has learned that criminals sometimes exploit jurisdictional boundaries, committing crimes in the city and quickly exiting into the county. The cameras help reduce that advantage.
While nearly all cameras are on roadways, there are a few exceptions:
- Town Green, where a camera was added to improve safety due to foot traffic, panhandling concerns, and nearby youth activities.
- Tennis and pickleball courts, where cameras were installed as a cost-effective way to improve security and address vandalism.
- Kendall Park, where a camera has helped deter vandalism and address safety concerns near Kendall Mill Pond.
Other types of video surveillance include SCDOT 511 cameras to monitor traffic conditions on SC roadways and Flock cameras with automated license plate readers commonly used throughout the state of SC by law enforcement and communities for crime prevention, capturing vehicle license plates and features to help solve crimes like stolen vehicles and burglaries, with locations in cities such as Columbia, Greenville, Florence and Fort Mill.
According to both Rushing and Dill, visible features—such as a blue light—also serve as a strong deterrent, often preventing issues before they start.
The cameras are a tool, not a constant monitoring system. They are used to:
- Investigate property crimes and major crimes
- Locate stolen vehicles
- Assist with missing or vulnerable persons
- Support investigations for other agencies, including the Sheriff’s Office and Highway Patrol
One powerful example involved an individual with early-onset dementia who became lost while driving. Using shared camera information across agencies, law enforcement was able to locate her safely and reunite her with her family the same day.
“These cameras are not just about catching bad guys,” Rushing said. “They’re about community safety and helping people.”
A common misconception is that Camden is collecting or storing video data indefinitely or monitoring residents in real time. According to Dill, that is not the case.
Key safeguards include:
- Video is only accessed for specific, justified law-enforcement purposes
- Officers must document why they are accessing footage
- Access is limited and supervised through a strict chain of command
- The public cannot request or browse footage
- Misuse of the system can lead to disciplinary action and legal consequences
Rushing compared the system to other law-enforcement tools, such as DMV databases, which are tightly regulated and audited to prevent misuse.
Camden works closely with Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) and other agencies, sharing information when appropriate so criminals cannot exploit jurisdictional lines. In addition, the city collaborates with local businesses and residents, who often voluntarily share private security footage—such as Ring doorbell videos—when incidents occur.
While some cities use advanced, AI-assisted surveillance systems, Camden does not. There is no live monitoring, no facial recognition, and no AI-driven tracking in use, Rushing said. The technology is intentionally limited and focused on practical, cost-effective safety needs.
City officials say there are no current plans to expand the camera network and stress that the system is one of many tools used to keep Camden safe. Leadership believes the city is adequately covered and remains mindful of responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
“These cameras are about prevention, accountability, and community well-being,” Rushing said.
Both Rushing and Dill emphasized that video surveillance is just one of many tools used to serve and protect the community.
“Everyone has cameras now—on their homes, their phones, even on the highways,” Rushing said. “We’re simply using modern tools, responsibly, to help keep people safe.”
