Elmwood Park will reimburse residents for security cameras if they share video for police investigations - Chicago Tribune

By Gary Gibula

Pioneer Press |

Dec 08, 2021 at 3:22 PM

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SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND - AUGUST 28: A doorbell device with a built-in camera made by home security company Nest is seen on August 28, 2019 in Silver Spring, Maryland. These devices allow users to see video footage of who is at their front door when the bell is pressed or when motion activates the camera. Elmwood Park, Illinois, is starting a program to partially reimburse homeowners who install the security cameras and agree to let police see footage upon request. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (Chip Somodevilla/Getty)

In a program designed to give police access to more security footage they can consult in investigating crimes, the Elmwood Park Village Board voted to help residents pay for home-based security cameras as long as they are willing to provide footage to police upon request.

The Security Camera Partnership Registration Program was announced at the village board meeting Monday.

The program will reimburse residents half the cost, up to $100, for surveillance cameras and installation on the outside of their homes. For example, a system costing $200 or more would be reimbursed with $100, and a system costing $150 would be reimbursed with $75. In exchange, the household must agree to provide video footage to police on request if it might aid a crime investigation.

The police would not have direct access to home security cameras. Homeowners would retain control of their cameras but, to be eligible for the reimbursement, would have to agree to provide video when police ask for it.

“It’s an exciting program,” Elmwood Park Village Manager Paul Volpe said. “The more cameras we can get out there, the more it will help with safety.”

Doorbell and surveillance cameras pointed at the outside entryway of a home can log the date and time that individuals and passing vehicles are detected. They also can provide a visual deterrent to thieves who might steal delivery packages from front porches.

“I’ve never heard of a program like this around, anywhere,” Village Trustee Anthony Del Santo said. “This is a great thing for the village and I’d like to give the Chief a thumbs up. It just adds another tool for keeping our town as safe as possible.”

The program guidelines call for cameras to be aimed only at the outside of a home, and say the police department must inspect and approve the installation. The camera owner must provide proof of purchase and receipts for the equipment and labor cost.

Within 60 days, the village would issue a complying homeowner with a check for 50 percent of the bill, not to exceed $100, according to the village. The camera owner is required to return the funds if opting out of the program within two years.

Participation in the program is voluntary, and program guidelines indicate that approved applicants are not considered agents or employees of the village or the police department.

If police desire video footage, they will contact homeowners via the phone or email contact information they provide on a written form, according to program guidelines. The guidelines also indicate that any video footage used is kept confidential, except when required by a court order or certain other circumstances.

“I think this program is a really good thing,” Elmwood Park Police Chief Frank Fagiano said. “We’re hoping to get many residents to participate, and the village will utilize social media and other means to get the word out.”