Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer
Helpful Village logo
Donate Now
Add me to your mailing list

Security Camera Rebates

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). The program provides a rebate of up to $200 per camera, with a maximum rebate of up to $500 per residential address (e.g., home offices, condo buildings, and apartments) and $750 for all other addresses. The rebate is exclusively for the cost of the camera(s) including any applicable tax. The rebate does not include installation, additional storage, accessories, or any cameras that are purchased but not installed on the exterior of the property. Rebates will be given only for the cameras that are installed on the exterior of the property (i.e., if you purchase four cameras for $500 but install only three on outside, you are eligible to receive $375 ($125 per camera). Additionally, If you have purchased your camera system on an installment plan, submit your application when it is paid in full.

This program is intended to help deter crime and assist law enforcement with investigations. Please review the following information and if you have additional questions, please contact the program at security.cameras@dc.gov or 202-727-5124.

There is a similar program for eligible seniors administered by the DC Office of Aging that provides vouchers to have cameras installed. For more information on that program, call 202-727-5124.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Requirements
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 also must be registered with the Metropolitan Police Department. Only one security camera system per property address is eligible. Security camera systems must be installed on the exterior of a building. Applicants will also be required to verify installation of the system (see application for complete details).

Camera System Specifications
Security camera systems shall meet minimum technical and video quality specifications below, and must retain video footage for at least forty-eight (48) hours. Some systems require the purchase of cloud-based storage plans. The cost of these plans are not reimbursable and you will be required to provide proof of purchase of additional storage if your system requires it. 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.

DIGITAL CAMERAS MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS RECOMMENDED SPECIFICATIONS
Camera Resolution 1 Magapixel 3 Megapixels
Screen Resolution 1280 x 720 2048 x 1536
Video Quality Standard High
Frames per Second 5 15
Storage Requirements 250 GB per camera 2.5 TB per camera

Analog Cameras Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications
Screen Resolution 640 x 480 640 x 480
Frames per Second 5 15
Storage Requirements 125 GB per camera 350 GB per camera

Restrictions
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.

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.

Step 2: Register your camera system with MPD at http://mpdc.dc.gov/securitycameraregistration/. After completing this form you will receive an e-mail confirmation with a log number; please save this email as you will need to submit it as part of your application.

Step 3: Complete the Private Security Camera Rebate Program Application.
a) The PSA of the property address which can be found at: http://geospatial.dcgis.dc.gov/PSAFinder.
b) Proof of purchase of the camera system that includes the number of cameras purchased, cost per camera, and proof that the system has been paid for.

Do not submit your application until the cameras are installed on the property and registered with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Note: It may take up to 45 working days to issue your rebate provided your application is complete and approved.

Rebate Program Rulemaking - 177.2 KB (pdf)
RFA for Rebate Program - 338.4 KB (pdf)

* From https://ovsjg.dc.gov/page/private-security-camera-rebate-program