CCTV – Neighborhood-Based Cameras

To date, the Metropolitan Police Department has not implemented or actively pursued any CCTV cameras based in District of Columbia neighborhoods. The MPDC has received requests from both civic associations and individual residents for the installation of CCTV cameras to help combat neighborhood crime problems such as drug dealing, street robberies, auto thefts and car break-ins. Legislation under consideration by the DC Council would authorize a small number of pilot projects to examine the effectiveness of CCTV cameras in neighborhood settings.

Prior to moving forward with any pilot neighborhood-based camera applications, the MPDC would ensure that:

• There is a specific crime or public safety problem for which CCTV could prove effective.
• There is extensive dialogue with the community about the use of cameras and support from the affected Advisory Neighborhood Commissions.