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STURGEON BAY, WI – Sturgeon Bay Police are using a new technique to catch criminals; cameras on bridges.

This past week, police used surveillance pictures from a bridge, monitored by the Dept. of Transportation, to lead them to an arson suspect and someone wanted for a hit and run.  Now, they want to expand camera use for crime.

And they’re on the right track. They already have a grant, awarded to them in 2009 to install 18 new cameras around the port.

"It's just technology that's gone one step further in everyday life,” said Arleigh Porter, Sturgeon Bay Police Chief.

Porter said they asked the DOT to check for surveillance of the suspects, and the pictures lead to an arrest.

Heather Knoop, who lives in Sturgeon Bay, saw the picture and was amazed it came from a bridge camera.

“I clicked on the picture cause I saw it on Facebook, and it was so clear, I couldn't believe how clear that camera got it,” she said. “It was very impressive."

Now police have a plan for more cameras, to install them along the shore, a way to protect places like Sunset Park, Bay Ship Building Company and the entire waterway.

"Let your imagination guide you when it comes to that, absolutely it's helpful,” said Chief Porter.

It will also be used for accidents, helping piece together anything that might be missing.

Last week police met with the Common Council to work out a plan for the new cameras. Porter said they have a goal of putting the new equipment in place sometime this Fall.