Rebate Program Description
The Private Security Camera Rebate Program, administered by the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG), 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). This program is intended to deter crime and assist law enforcement with investigations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Amount of Rebate
A rebate is available for the actual cost of an individual camera (up to $200) with a maximum rebate of $500 for residential properties (homes, apartments, condominiums, home offices, etc.) and $750 for all other addresses. The rebate is only for the cost of the camera, including sales tax; installation, accessories, and storage are not covered. If you have purchased your camera system on an installment plan, submit your application when you have fully paid for the cameras.
Please review the following information and if you have additional questions, please contact the program at [email protected] or (202) 727-5124.
Requirements
- Applicants must be an owner or tenant of a property that is used as a residence, business, nonprofit, or religious institution located in the District of Columbia.
- Applicants who are tenants must provide documentation from the property owner approving the installation of the security camera system on the property.
- 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 system must be registered with the Metropolitan Police Department (please only submit one registration per application).
- Security camera systems must be installed on the exterior of a building.
- Installation of cameras will be verified (see application for complete details).
- All cameras must be outdoor, weather proof cameras. We strongly recommend purchasing a camera that is designed for the outdoors as opposed to modifying one designed for indoor use.
- Only one security camera system per property address is eligible.
- Security camera systems shall meet minimum technical and video quality specifications below and must retain video footage for at least forty-eight (48) hours. Several systems—including but not limited to Arlo, Maximus, Nest, Ring, and Simplisafe—require the separate purchase of cloud-based storage to meet this requirement. This is not an exhaustive list of all brands and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of a specific product. Please double check to see if your system requires additional storage before submitting an application.
| Digital Cameras | Minimum Specifications |
Recommended Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Camera Resolution | 1 Megapixel | 3 Megapixel |
| Screen Resolution | 1280x720 | 2048x1536 |
| Video Quality | Standard | High |
| Frames per Second | 5 | 15 |
| Analog Cameras | Minimum Specifications |
Recommended Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Resolution | 640X480 | 640X480 |
| Frames per Second | 5 | 15 |
By participating in this program, the Applicant acknowledges that he or she will not use the security camera for any unlawful or harassing purposes and will comply with all applicable building and electrical code requirements.
Application
To apply for a rebate complete the following three steps.
Step 1: Purchase and install the camera(s) on the exterior of your property. Effective February 1st, 2024, proof of the installation, which includes a photograph of each camera in the location where it is installed, as well as a screenshot of the video capture from each security camera must be submitted with all Private Security Camera Rebate Program applications.
Step 2: Register your camera system here. After completing this form you will receive an email confirmation that will include a log number. Please save this email as you will need to submit it as part of your rebate application. If the confirmation email you received from MPD does not include a Log/Registration Number, please enter 000 as a response. Check your junk mail or spam folder if you do not receive this email in your inbox. Contact us at [email protected] if you haven’t received the confirmation email within four hours of submitting your registration. After submitting your registration, you must proceed to Step 3 and complete the rebate application.
Step 3: Complete the Private Security Camera Rebate Program Application.
Do not submit your application until the cameras are installed on the property and registered with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). You must answer all questions in the application and provide proof of purchase of cameras that details the number and cost of cameras purchased, and demonstrates payment made.
Upon submission of a complete application, you will receive an email from Zoomgrants.com acknowledging successful submission of the application.
Note: It may take up to 45 working days to issue your rebate provided your application is complete and approved.
