Bixby Police Make Good Use Of Traffic Camera Network

Federal investigators have been painstakingly searching through hours of surveillance footage from the scene to identify potential suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing

The system that's helping the FBI narrow down the list of suspects is similar to one the city of Bixby uses every day.

"We have opportunities for crime and things of that nature, so we want to make sure that we put them in locations that best fit our needs," said Bixby Police Chief Ike Shirley.

Shirley said the network of cameras helps with crime, accidents and traffic.

5/3/2010 Related Story: Bixby Police Say The City's Surveillance Cameras Help Solve Crimes

"If the car is going in a certain direction, then we'll be able to look and see if that car is going through one of the intersections we have a camera located. If that's the case, then we'll be able to get a tag number," Shirley said.

The city has eight cameras along Memorial, from 101st to 161st Streets, at intersections and parks. Dispatchers can watch the live footage in real time.

Shirley said the system also records and recent upgrades allow it to store video for 30 to 60 days.

The cameras can turn 360 degrees and zoom in on vehicles or people. Dispatchers can see what's happening at a scene before officers arrive.

Investigators can surf through footage to re-create an accident or a crime, or look for clues like officers did after the Boston Marathon bombing.

4/27/2013 CBS News Related Story: Boston bombing investigators focus on possible suspect in surveillance video

"There's no telling what they're going to be able to retrieve, sometimes, off that footage," Shirley said.

Bixby bought the camera system with Homeland Security money nearly 10 years ago.

They hope to add more cameras with additional features in the future, as new technology evolves.

The City of Tulsa has 140 cameras used for traffic at intersections, but they don't record.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has a lot of highway cameras that can record.