Police want to map residential CCTV, which they can access, with the owner's permission, if and when a crime occurs in a certain area.

Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Bruce Grassick, who along with his team came up with the concept, said mapping provides police with a secure and confidential database of residential CCTV.

Detective Inspector Grassick said CCTV is one of the most effective ways to tackle crime, and mapping residential CCTV would be highly beneficial to police.

"It has been proven that CCTV is an invaluable tool in solving crime and assists in the disruption of criminal activity," he said.

"Timely access to CCTV footage by law enforcement will not only support ongoing police operations, but will allow police to be on the front foot in bringing offenders before the court.

He said the register will be another crime fighting tool in the arsenal of police and will be strictly confidential.

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"No footage will be sought by police unless consent is obtained from the owner".

He said police are really hoping the community come on board, stressing police won't have access to the CCTV, only a map of its location.

"Say we are responding to a crime in Rankin Street, we know where the CCTV is and can go directly to it. We're getting that information sooner," he explained.

"Rather than having to send police to the area and door knock, we can get that information which might be critical to solving a crime," he said.

Inspector Grassick said this stage, the mapping is only occurring in Bathurst but it is hoped other towns within Chifley will follow the same direction early next year.

He said those with CCTV who wish to be part of the program should contact police directly at chifleycctv@police.nsw.gov.au or the Crime Prevention Unit on 6332 8669.

Detective Grassick said people should include their name and contact number, the address of cameras, and how many cameras they have.

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