As a proactive measure to reduce crime in our nation’s capital, the city of Washington is offering a generous rebate to qualified residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and religious institutions that wish to purchase and install security cameras on their property. Thousands of cameras already have been installed under this security camera rebate program, which may end soon.

Administered by the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG), the Private Security Camera Rebate Program provides a rebate of up to $500 for security camera systems on residential addresses (including home offices, condominiums, and apartments) and $750 for non-residential addresses.

Remote detection systems

The Washington DC security camera rebate program has been a success with more than 14,000 installed. But budget constraints may put an end to the program.

The rebate covers the cost of multiple devices and is capped at $200 per camera. Participants are required to register their cameras with the DC Metropolitan Police Department, which can access the footage upon request to aid investigations.

Criminals are generally interested in pursuing the path of least resistance and avoiding detection. A robust security system that includes multiple layers of deterrence, including security cameras, reduces the risk of burglary, theft, armed robbery, and violent crime. Cameras also increase the likelihood that would-be criminals will be identified and captured.

According to Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, as of May 2019 more than 14,000 security cameras have been delivered under the auspices of the Private Security Camera Rebate Program.

Despite its success and popularity, however, the program may be eliminated due to budget constraints. Which is why it behooves every homeowner, renter, business owner, nonprofit organization, and house of worship in Washington DC to take advantage of the program while it lasts.