South Milwaukee police are distributing 80 free Ring doorbell cameras purchased with a civic grant from the Bucyrus Foundation, as demand for the program has already outpaced the number of devices available. As of Sept. 24, more than 250 residents had applied, Police Capt. Dan Fournier said. The department had installed eight cameras and was scheduling a few installations each day. Applicants without existing security cameras are being given priority, Fournier said. The department says the program is intended to support public safety and strengthen connections with residents. Cameras may deter crime or property damage, Fournier said, and recorded video can help investigators gather evidence. The cameras remain the property of the homeowners, however, and footage does not automatically enter a police database. Residents can choose whether to provide video to investigators if an incident occurs nearby or at their home, Fournier said. Residents can find program information and apply through the South Milwaukee Police Department’s website: https://www.southmilwaukee.gov/583/Ring-Doorbell-Camera-Program.