Local lawmakers in Washington, D.C. are recognizing the benefits of camera surveillance and are looking to incentivize property owners to have them installed. Earlier this year, the council passed legislation introduced by Councilmember Charles Allen, D-Ward 6, that will help subsidize the cost of security camera systems for interested citizens.
In a document summarizing the Private Security Camera System Incentive Program Emergency Act of 2016, Councilmember Allen observes that 20 percent of the videos posted on the Metropolitan Police Department’s online video feed have come from privately owned security cameras.
“It is clear that security cameras deter crime and aid the police in holding individuals accountable for criminal acts,” said Allen.
Allen’s legislation allows property owners to receive rebates of up to $200 per camera that they register with police, and sets a cap at $500 for residential properties and $750 for businesses.
Residents of Washington, D.C. are encouraged to contact Crime Intervention Alarm to add camera surveillance to their homes and businesses. Though based in York, Pennsylvania, Crime Intervention Alarm services residences and commercial properties throughout the entire Mid-Atlantic region, including Washington, D.C., as well as the South-Atlantic region, now that its opened a new office in Delray Beach, Florida.
With the new legislation, Washington, D.C. residents now have the ability to save money on a valuable security camera system, as well as the unique opportunity to assist law enforcement in deterring crime and capturing suspects that may be caught on camera.