MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — The Bradenton Police Department recently launched a new camera program called “Connect Bradenton."

It allows residents and businesses in the city to register their security cameras, but police have to ask permission to use the footage.

Tony Hoskins, who owns Paddy Wagon Irish Pub in downtown Bradenton, is taking advantage of the system.

"I just really enjoy meeting new people,” he said of his business.

He says people are his top priority, which is why he has security cameras inside and outside of the building. 

“We encompass the entire building, the patio cameras getting traffic that way as well,” he said.

With the goal of improving safety for the restaurant employees and customers, Hoskins partnered with the Bradenton Police Department on the new program.

Businesses and residents can register their cameras.

According to the department, all patrol units are utilizing the new camera system. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Julia Hazel)

While police don’t have direct access to the footage, they can request access to video throughout the city.

Carl Jones, a detective with the Bradenton Police Department, says the new system has helped the community.

“Once there is a crime or an investigation going on, a crime in the area, we're able to contact that person to either retrieve the video footage or see if they can send it to us,” he said.

He says the department tested the program for the past nine months before officially launching.

The mission is to make the community safer.

"Even in the testing phases, we've been able to use it for several investigations, to help with the detectives with either identifying vehicles or suspects. So it's been a great help,” he said.

And a huge help for Hoskins to keep his place safe.

“There is a lot of activity with some of the kids down here. After 2 in the morning, where they didn't have anywhere to go, they get out of the bars and they're basically hanging out in the street,” he said.  

He says his cameras have recorded crime in real time. 

“There was a hit and run and we were able to capture the vehicle,” he said.

According to the department, all patrol units are utilizing the new camera system.