Rebate Program Description
The Private Security Camera Rebate Program (PSCRP), 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, as well as glass break sensors on or within 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.
Effective May 15, 2024, participants that have reached a four-year term of participation with the private security camera rebate program or are able to provide a police report for their vandalized camera system can reapply for an additional $500 for residential properties, and $750 for non-residential properties. Interested participants must sign into ZoomGrants to check the date of their approval before reapplying as the four-year term begins on the approval date of their 1st application.
Effective October 1, 2025, non-profits, religious institutions, or commercial businesses reporting less than $2.5 million in federal gross receipts or sales can apply for interior cameras up to $200 per camera with $750 being the cap, as well as up to $200 per glass break sensors with $600 being their cap.
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 exterior camera system must have been purchased and installed on the exterior of the property after September 22, 2015, and before all available funds are expended.
- All internal camera systems or glass break systems must have been purchased and installed within the property after October 1, 2025.
- The camera system must be registered with the Metropolitan Police Department (please only submit one registration per application).
- Non-residential properties (i.e commercial businesses, non-profits, or religious institutions) reporting less than $2.5 million in federal gross sales can apply for internal cameras and glass break sensors.
- Installation of cameras will be verified (see application for complete details).
- All exterior cameras must be outdoor and weatherproof.
- 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 they will not use the security camera for any unlawful or harassing purposes and will comply with all applicable building and electrical code requirements.
Application
Before you submit an application, please complete the following short questionnaire to determine eligibility: PSCIP Rebate Program Application Pre-Check
One you're deemed eligible based on the questionnaire, please complete the following three steps:
Step 1: Purchase and install the camera(s) on the exterior on your property. Non-residential properties applying for interior cameras or glass break sensors must also have all equipment installed prior to applying.
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 exterior camera system here. After completing this form, you will receive an email confirmation in up to 5 business days; Please save this email as you will need to submit it as part of your rebate application. Check your junk mail or spam folder if you do not receive this email in your inbox. Please contact us at [email protected] if you have not received the confirmation email within 5 business days. After receiving your confirmation email, please proceed to Step 3 and complete the rebate application.
Please note, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) registers your exterior camers to a system to assist with investigations. MPD does not require access to your cameras and would only request footage from participants. Some eligible properties in the District of Columbia participate in providing live footage through the Camera Connect DC program, which is done with the owner's consent.
Step 3: Complete the Private Security Camera Rebate Program Application.
Do not submit your application until the equipment is 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.
