# COMCOR — Chapter 35. Police - Regulations

## Sec. 35-13C Police-Private Security Camera Incentive Program - Regulations

### COMCOR 35.13C.01 Police-Private Security Camera Incentive Program

#### 35.13C.01.01 Definitions

    1.   Applicant – an owner or lessee of a property, to include a business, nonprofit organization or residence located in a priority area.

    2.   Department – Defined as the Montgomery County Department of Police.

    3.   Priority Area – One or more police districts identified by the Police Chief as needing additional security cameras based upon public safety indicators, including crime levels.

    4.   Qualifying Resident – An owner or tenant of a property that is used as a residence, business, or a nonprofit organization. Property is located within a priority area.

    5.   Security Camera – An outside surveillance camera system with functioning digital video recording capability, that is installed on the property owned or leased by an individual, business, or nonprofit organization.

#### 35.13C.01.02 General Provisions

    1.   This regulation implements the private security camera incentive rebate program, which establishes an incentive for property owners and lessees, business owners, and nonprofit organizations to install an outdoor security camera that is intended to help deter crime and assist law enforcement with investigations.

    2.   An Applicant is eligible for a rebate:

      a.   Of a monetary value up to two hundred fifty dollars ($250), provided that the amount of the rebate shall not be more than the cost of the purchase of the camera and subject to appropriation;

      b.   The maximum rebates in this section shall be limited to one (1) security camera per qualifying residence, up to five (5) security cameras per qualifying business address, or up to five (5) security cameras per qualifying nonprofit organization address.

    3.   The Applicant’s property must be within a Priority Area designated by the Police Chief.

    4.   To be eligible for the rebate, the Applicant must participate in this camera program once established by the Department.

    5.   The Department will not automatically have access to video from cameras purchased under this program. The Department may have access to live or recorded video with the express permission of the applicant or through other legal mechanism.

    6.   By participating in this program, the Applicant will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, to include electrical code requirements. If Applicant is a tenant of a building, the Applicant will comply with all applicable building and lease requirements.

    7.   The Applicant agrees in writing (electronically) that the security camera must not be used for the sole purpose of recording private property not owned or leased by the Applicant.

    8.   If the Applicant is a business or nonprofit organization, the Applicant agrees in writing (electronically) to post notice prominently to alert visitors of the existence of the security camera.

    9.   Permissible collection, dissemination, use, and disposal of images recorded by a security camera purchased under the program.

      a.   The collection, dissemination and use of video by the Department will be for official law enforcement purposes. Efforts will be made to ensure anonymity of the Applicant.

#### 35.13C.01.03 Application

    1.   An Applicant shall submit a security camera application on the form prescribed by the Department

    2.   A completed application shall include:

      a.   The completed form prescribed by the Department;

      b.   Proof of purchase of an applicable security camera;

      c.   Make, Model, and Serial Number of the security camera; and

      d.   Verification of the installation of the security camera system.

    3.   Upon the determination that an Applicant has complied with all the requirements, and subject to the availability of funds, the applicable rebate amount shall be provided to the Applicant.

#### 35.13C.01.04 Priority Areas

    1.   The Department’s camera application website will allow the Applicant to determine if the property is within an eligible priority area. Priority areas will be evaluated annually.

#### 35.13C.01.05 Security Camera Specification

    1.   Security camera systems shall meet minimum technical and video quality specifications published on the Department’s application website and must retain video footage for at least seven (7) days.

    2.   Security camera systems shall be installed on the exterior of a building and shall be weatherproof.

#### 35.13C.01.06 Verification of Security Camera Installation

    1.   A security camera system shall be verified as installed before it is eligible for the rebate.

    2.   An Applicant shall verify installation by the following means:

      a.   If the security camera system is installed by a business with a valid Business License that is engaged in the installation of security systems, the business shall certify the installation of the camera system at the property, including photographic evidence; or

      b.   If the security camera system is installed by the property owner, business owner, or another person without a valid Business License, the Applicant shall notify the Department for an on-site visit to verify the installation of the security camera system.

#### 35.13C.01.07 Rebate Issuance

    1.   Upon the determination that an Applicant has complied with all the requirements, and subject to the availability of funds, the applicable rebate amount shall be processed by the Montgomery County Government Finance Department and the funds sent to the Applicant at the address provided on the application form.