(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the District’s Private Security Camera Incentive Program has surpassed $3 million in rebates for residents while adding over 20,000 cameras since its creation in 2015. Mayor Bowser originally introduced legislation to create the camera incentive program in 2015 as part of her comprehensive public safety agenda, Safer, Stronger DC, and it was included as part of the Neighborhood Engagement Achieves Results (NEAR) Act in 2016.
“We know that each of us have a role to play in helping to build a safer, stronger DC,” said Mayor Bowser. “By participating in the Security Camera Incentive Program, residents have added thousands of cameras to our streets that help deter crime and assist law enforcement with investigations.”
The Program, administered by the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG), 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). MPD has used footage from camera program participants to identify suspects in a variety of crimes and has led to the arrest and successful prosecution in several violent crimes, including homicide.
“We are pleased to report that the program has been funded and will continue in the next fiscal year,” said Michelle M. Garcia, Director of OVSJG. “We have dedicated staff available to support any District resident, business, non-profit, or religious institution in applying to the rebate or voucher program. We encourage anyone who is interested or has any questions to contact us directly for guidance.”
There are two ways to participate in the Private Security Camera Incentive program:
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. 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.
Residents, businesses, nonprofits, and religious institutions can learn more and apply for the program by visiting the OVSJG website – ovsjg.dc.gov. Additional questions about the rebate or voucher program can be sent to [email protected] or (202) 727-5124.