(a) Definitions. In this Section, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
Chief means the Montgomery County Police Chief or the Chief’s designee.
Department means the Montgomery County Police Department.
Priority area means one or more police districts identified and published by the Chief as needing additional security cameras based upon public safety indicators, including crime levels.
Program means the private security camera incentive program established under this Section.
Security camera means an outdoor surveillance camera system, with functioning digital video recording capability, that is installed on property owned or leased by an individual, business, or nonprofit organization.
(b) Program established. There is a private security camera incentive program within the Department.
(c) Criteria to receive a rebate or voucher. An owner or lessee of a property may qualify to receive a rebate or voucher under the program if:
(1) the applicant is an individual, business, or nonprofit organization;
(2) the property is located within a priority area;
(3) the applicant agrees in writing that the security camera must not be used for the purpose of recording private property not owned by the applicant;
(4) if the applicant is a business or a non-profit organization, the applicant agrees in writing to post notice prominently to alert visitors of the existence of the security camera;
(5) the rebate or voucher is used solely to offset the costs of a security camera;
(6) the application is submitted in the form and manner prescribed by the Chief; and
(7) the security camera is purchased and installed after the effective date of this Section.
(d) Funding and limitations.
(1) The amount of a rebate or voucher under the program must not exceed the purchase cost of a security camera.
(2) Rebates and vouchers provided under the program are subject to appropriation.
(3) The Department may seek federal or state funding to support the program.
(e) Regulations. Prior to implementation of the program, the Chief must, in consultation with stakeholders including victims and racially and ethnically diverse residents, promulgate Method (2) regulations to implement the requirements of this Section. The regulations must address:
(1) the methodology used to identify a priority area;
(2) the permissible collection, dissemination, use, and disposal of images recorded by a security camera purchased under the program; and
(3) minimum standards for security cameras purchased under the program.
(f) Annual report. The Chief must report to the Council annually regarding the implementation of the program, including the number and amount of rebates and vouchers awarded, and the efficacy of the program. (2022 L.M.C., ch. 27, §1.)