Blog Archives
Security Camera Rebate Program
DC has announced a rebate program for security cameras in residential (up to $500 per address) and commercial properties (up to $750 per address). Our neighborhood falls in a priority area where rebates can be made as long as funding remains available. The press release with links and additional information is included below. Cameras can serve as a crime deterrent as well as a way for victims to seek justice when crimes are committed.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 17, 2016
CONTACT:
Jordan Bennett (EOM) – (202) 727-5011; jordan.bennett@dc.gov
Christopher Dyer (OVSJG) – (202) 727-6331; christopher.dyer@dc.gov
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 Grants 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.
Neighborhood Watch Training: November 21 in Trinidad
Neighborhood Watch is a community-based crime prevention program where neighbors look out for each other’s safety, property and homes in a systematic and sustained way. It is based on the idea that when residents, businesses, clergy, police and other partners look out for the safety of the neighborhood, establish and maintain open lines of communication, and collaborate to resolve problems of crime and disorder, they create safer, friendlier and healthier neighborhoods.You can learn more about the overall program or download the training manual on the MPD website.
There will be a free neighborhood watch training session at the Trinidad Recreation Center on November 21st at 11 am. We encourage you to attend. This will be a good resource for the community and a way we can all help reduce crime of opportunity in our neighborhood. See the message from Neighborhood Watch Trainer below for additional information and where to register for the training.
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Message from Neighborhood Watch Trainer:
Neighborhood Watch Crime Prevention Training will be conducted at the following locations on the dates and times noted. They are free trainings open to anyone interested in reducing crime. Please let me know if you are coming though as hand-outs are prepared based on the number of participants, and space is limited.
If you want to learn ways to prevent crime and reduce your likelihood of becoming a crime victim, please attend the training. You will see pictures of actual crime scenes and learn how to avoid becoming a victim of the crimes. More than 80% of crime in DC is preventable (Crime of Opportunity). By reducing these crimes, the police can concentrate on preventing and solving more violent crimes. You will also learn how to become a block captain, and how to start Neighborhood Watch on your block.
If you would like to attend the training, please contact me by email at NolanTutor@yahoo.com.
I hope to see you at a training. Remember to email me if you would like to attend.
Samantha Nolan
Citywide Neighborhood Watch Trainer
November 9, 2015//7:00 pm
Parkview Recreation Center
693 Otis Place NE
Washington, DC 20018
November 10, 2015//7:00 pm
Friendship Public Charter School
1345 Potomac Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20003
November 14, 2015//11:00 am
Hillcrest Citizens Association
Location To Be Announced
November 16, 2015//6:30 pm
Cedar Heights Apts.
1510 Butler Street SE
Washington, DC 20020
November 19, 2015//6:30 pm
Meadowbrook Run Apt.
3635 6th Street, SE
Washington, DC 20032
November 21, 2015//11:00 am
Trinidad Recreation Center
1310 Childress Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
December 19, 2015//11:00 am
Hemingway Temple AME Church
501 P Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
Trinidad Neighborhood Association 