Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser launched the Private Security Camera Voucher Program, an expansion of the Private Security Camera Incentive Program. Through the program, DC residents who either rent or own a property and receive public assistance under the District of Columbia Public Assistance Act of 1982 will be eligible to receive a private security camera system without cost. The Mayor is currently working with the DC Council to expand eligibility for the program, and District seniors will be able to receive private security cameras through the Safe at Home program. Mayor Bowser was joined at the launch by the Director of the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants Michelle Garcia.

“Today, we are building on the success of the Private Security Camera Incentive Program and giving more residents access to technology that can help make not just homes, but entire blocks safer,” said Mayor Bowser. “This program is a great example of how the DC government can work together with the community to create a safer, stronger DC.”

Mayor Bowser originally introduced legislation to create the camera incentive program in 2015 as part of her comprehensive public safety agenda, "Safer, Stronger DC." Since the program was launched in February 2016, over 2,200 applications for rebates have been approved, funding over 5,500 cameras across all eight wards.

To qualify for the Private Security Camera Voucher Program, applicants are required to submit responses to application questions and proof of current receipt of public assistance from one of the following programs:

            (1)  General Assistance for Children;
            (2)  Emergency Shelter Family Services;
            (3)  Temporary Assistance for Needy Families;
            (4)  Program on Work, Employment, and Responsibility; or
            (5)  Interim Disability Assistance.

Upon determining eligibility, a third party entity will arrange a time with the applicant to install the camera system.

Once the cameras are installed and registered with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), officers will be able to request the video footage from 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.

Until August 31, 2017, the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants will accept applications only from residents whose property is located in the following Police Service Areas (PSA):

District seniors who live in these PSAs can apply through the Safe at Home program or by contacting the DC Office on Aging at (202) 724-5626.

Beginning September 1, 2017, voucher program applications will be accepted from residents in any PSA. A PSA Finder is available to assist residents in locating their PSA.

More information about the Private Security Camera Voucher Program is available at ovsjg.dc.gov. Eligible residents are encouraged to apply. Residents who do not qualify for the Private Security Camera Voucher Program can apply for a rebate through the Private Security Camera Rebate Program.