Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Councilmembers Sidney Katz and Gabe Albornoz and the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) announced a new public safety program that will reimburse residents and businesses in select areas of the County who install security cameras in their homes and businesses to help reduce crime. The Police-Private Security Camera Program will reimburse eligible residents up to $250 for a security camera installation, and eligible businesses and nonprofits up to $1,250. The program launched on November 15 with $255,000 in funding for the current fiscal year that County officials say could lead to over 1,000 new cameras installed in key areas with increased crime around the County.   

To determine eligibility click here to view an interactive map of eligible areas. 

“These security camera rebates will help our residents and businesses protect their homes, establishments, and communities,” said County Executive Elrich. “Security cameras can deter as well as solve crimes. This program will improve public safety in MCPD’s priority areas. I appreciate the Montgomery County Council for passing this legislation and encourage all eligible residents and businesses to apply for these rebates.” 

The new program comes out of Council Bill 14-22, which was enacted in July 2022 and sponsored by Councilmembers Sidney Katz and Gabe Albornoz and former Councilmember Craig Rice. MCPD then developed guidelines for the program that can be found in Executive Regulation 04-23.  

 "This program is a valuable tool in both deterring criminal activity and helping police in solving crimes in areas that have the greatest need," said Councilmember Sidney Katz. "I believe our residents and businesses will see it as a proactive approach that will heighten community efforts in addressing safety and security in our neighborhoods. 

 “Today we implemented our Private Security Camera Incentive Program, created to protect Montgomery County businesses and residents in areas experiencing relatively high incidences of crime,” said Councilmember Gabe Albornoz. “Last year, my Council colleagues and I passed Bill 14-22, an opt-in program that lets businesses and individuals apply to receive a voucher or rebate to offset the cost of a security camera on their property. We are currently facing heightened security issues in every aspect of our daily lives. This program is even more important today than it was when it was passed a year ago. We look forward to working with MCPD to provide additional support to our businesses and residents with the greatest need.” 

The Police-Private Security Camera Program Camera Incentive Program will be led by MCPD to help curb crime in areas around the County where there have been higher incidents of crime. These areas were selected  based on public safety indicators, including crime levels.  Areas in the program are identified on an interactive mapping tool located on the MCPD website. 

"This program not only empowers residents and business owners but also establishes a collaborative partnership between our community and law enforcement,” said Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones. “By installing surveillance cameras, participants can actively assist law enforcement in ensuring public safety. Together, we are fostering a more secure community."  

Security cameras purchased under this program are required to meet minimum technical and video quality standards as outlined on the MCPD website. If approved for the program, participants must retain video footage for seven days, and cameras must be installed on the exterior of a building and be waterproof to ensure optimal use. Additionally, applicants must agree in writing that the security camera will not be used for the purpose of recording private property not owned by the applicant. If the applicant is a business or a nonprofit organization, they must agree in writing to post notice prominently to alert visitors of the existence of the security camera. 

To participate, individuals, businesses, or nonprofit organizations must register online. Vulnerable areas, identified during the registration process, will determine eligibility for the program. Residents must purchase and install their security cameras before applying for reimbursement.  

For more information on the program, including an interactive map of eligible areas, visit the MCPD website. 

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Media Contact: Shiera Goff, [email protected]