The camera system must have been purchased and installed on the property after September 22, 2015 and before all available funds are expended. The camera also must be registered with the Metropolitan Police Department. The amount of the rebate shall not be more than the cost of the purchase of the camera system. Only one security camera system per property address is eligible. Security camera systems must be installed on the exterior of a building. Applicants will also be required to verify installation of the system (see application for complete details).
Security camera systems shall meet minimum technical and video quality specifications below, and must retain video footage for at least forty-eight (48) hours. All cameras must be outdoor, weather proof cameras.
| DIGITAL CAMERAS | Minimum Specifications |
Recommended Specifications |
| Camera Resolution | 1 Megapixel | 3 Megapixel |
| Screen Resolution | 1280×720 | 2048×1536 |
| Video Quality | Standard | High |
| Frames per Second | 5 | 15 |
| Storage Requirements | 250 GB per camera or up to 10 days of storage | 2.5 TB per camera |
| ANALOG CAMERAS | Minimum Specifications |
Recommended Specifications |
| Screen Resolution | 640X480 | 640X480 |
| Frames per Second | 5 | 15 |
| Storage Requirements | 125 GB per camera | 350 GB per camera |
The Private Security Program was an idea conceived by 1D CAC members Mary Williams, Esq. and PSA 104 Coordinator Robert Pittman. The program was formed and with the help of Council Member Tommy Wells became law. It started as a pilot project and has now expanded city wide.
http://www.dcregs.dc.gov/Gateway/.aspx?NoticeID=5935156PRIVATE SECURITY CAMERA INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Mayor Bowser Launches Private Security Camera Program as Part of Safer, Stronger DC Initiative
(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser, along with the Director of the Office of Victim Services and Justice GrantsPrivate Security Cameras Michelle M. Garcia, officially launched the Private Security Camera Incentive Program. The program will provide rebates for the purchase, installation, and registration of a security camera system on the exterior of a building owned or leased by a resident, business, nonprofit, or religious institution.
Potential applicants can visit http://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.
“The installation of private security cameras in the city is another step to deter crime and assist police during investigations,” said Mayor Bowser. “This innovative rebate program helps equip residents, small businesses, nonprofits and religious institutions with the tools they need to help prevent crime and identify suspects.”
The legislation to create the program was originally introduced in September 2015 as part of Mayor Bowser’s comprehensive public safety agenda, “Safer, Stronger DC.” Councilmember Charles Allen moved the legislation in January, following months of delay by the Judiciary Committee.
“I want to thank the Council for taking an important step forward,” continued Mayor Bowser. “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.”
For more information on the Mayor’s Safer, Stronger DC package, visit: mayor.dc.gov/saferstronger.
Once the cameras are installed and registered with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), officers will be able to request the video footage from their owners while investigating criminal activity that may have occurred in the vicinity of the camera. In addition, the cameras will help serve as a deterrent to anyone considering a crime against a property – like burglaries and package thefts. MPD will not have live video access to the cameras.
Security cameras purchased and installed after September 22, 2015 are eligible for the program. For the first several months, only addresses within priority MPD police service areas (PSAs) can submit rebate applications. After August 1, addresses anywhere in the District can apply. There is at least one priority PSA in each Ward and they were selected based on crime levels and public safety indicators.
The priority PSAs are:
• MPD First District: PSAs 104, 105, 107 and 108;
• MPD Second District: PSAs 202, 207 and 208;
• MPD Third District: PSAs 302, 303 and 305;
• MPD Fourth District: PSAs 402, 403, 405 and 409;
• MPD Fifth District: All PSAs;
• MPD Sixth District: PSAs 602, 603, 604 and 608; and
• MPD Seventh District: All PSAs.
To identify the PSA of a property address, please visit: http://geospatial.dcgis.dc.gov/PSAFinder.
The program has a budget of $500,000. Rebates will be issued so long as funding is available.
The program provides a rebate of:
• Up to $200 of the purchase price per camera installed on the exterior of a residential building, with a maximum rebate of up to $500 per residential address; and
• Up to $200 of the purchase price per camera installed on the exterior of a business, commercial, nonprofit, or religious institution with a maximum rebate of up to $750 per address.
Private Security Camera System Incentive Program
The Private Security Camera Incentive Program, administered by the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants, encourages residents, businesses, non-profits and religious institutions to install security camera systems on their property and register them with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). This program is intended to help deter crime and assist law enforcement with investigations.
There are two ways to participate:
The Private Security Camera Rebate Program creates a rebate for residents, businesses, nonprofits, and religious institutions to purchase and install security camera systems on their property and register them with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The program provides a rebate of up to $200 per camera, with a maximum rebate of up to $500 per residential address (e.g., home offices, condo buildings, and apartments) and $750 for all other eligible addresses. The rebate is exclusively for the cost of the camera(s) including any applicable tax.
The Private Security Camera Voucher Program provides a private security camera system to eligible residents free of charge. District residents—either owners or tenants—who receive public assistance may be eligible to have a camera system installed at their home.
If you have questions about the rebate or voucher program, please contact us at security.cameras@dc.gov or 202-727-5124.
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