The Bristol, Virginia City Council has greenlit an initiative to enable the local police department to share surveillance footage with the Bristol, Tennessee Police Department. This collaboration is centered around new cameras slated for installation along State Street.

As per the memorandum of understanding, these surveillance cameras will be strategically placed between Volunteer Parkway and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Mayor Becky Nave of Bristol, Virginia, announced that the city secured a state grant to fund the installation of five cameras, ensuring no expense to local taxpayers. Meanwhile, Bristol, Tennessee is also planning to set up its own cameras.

“Sometimes our cameras might capture valuable footage needed by the other side, and the same goes for their cameras capturing what we require,” explained Mayor Nave. “This agreement allows us to collaborate with Bristol, Tennessee, ensuring shared access to video evidence when necessary.”

The accord further permits both cities to install, maintain, and operate cameras on utility poles across state lines. They will exchange login credentials, granting each city the ability to view and download the other’s recorded footage.

“Our police departments already have a strong working relationship. This initiative provides another avenue for collaboration,” Nave added. “It’s also beneficial for residents on both sides. If an incident occurs downtown, we can now easily obtain footage from both jurisdictions, streamlining the process of accessing crucial evidence.”

Under the agreement, the purpose of the cameras will be to investigate reported crimes. Neither city will be obligated to monitor the cameras in real-time.

Each city will be responsible for the costs of installing and maintaining its own cameras.

The Bristol, Tennessee City Council approved the agreement at its meeting on Oct. 7.