Photo by Carsten Koall/Getty Images
In an effort to deter crime and assist police investigations, Mayor Muriel Bowser launched a program yesterday that provides rebates to individuals who purchase, install, and register a security camera system on the outside of a building in the District.
The legislation to create the Private Security Camera Incentive Program was introduced last September as part of the mayor’s “Safer, Stronger DC” agenda. Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen moved the legislation last month.
“I want to thank the Council for taking an important step forward,” Mayor Bowser said in a release. “But we have a lot of work to do to make the District safer and stronger. I call on the Council to take up other components of my Safer, Stronger legislative package.”
The program applies to places owned or leased by a resident, business, nonprofit, or religious institution. Individuals can receive up to $200 of the purchase price per camera, with a maximum rebate of up to $500 per residential address, and up to $750 per address for those installed on the exterior of a business, commercial, nonprofit, or religious institution.
Security cameras purchased and installed after September 22, 2015 are eligible for the program. However, for the first several months, only addresses within priority MPD police service areas can submit rebate applications. After August 1, folks with addresses all over the city can apply.
The program’s budget is $500,000, and rebates will be issued until the fund runs dry.
In the case of a criminal investigation, MPD officers will be able to request the video footage from owners, according to the release. In addition, the Bowser administration hopes the cameras will also act as a deterrent for burglars and package thieves.
To date, MPD has recorded 223 burglaries in the city this year, down 19 percent from this time last year. D.C. Police recorded 2,544 burglaries for all of 2015.
Potential applicants can visit www.ovsjg.dc.gov or contact the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants at security.cameras@dc.gov or (202) 727-5124 for more information.
