Chicago launches $5.3m home and business security programme
The City of Chicago will provide select rebates to reimburse the costs of private security devices such as cameras and motion-sensor lighting to protect property and increase public safety.
Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot has launched a $5.3m programme to help equip homes and businesses with private security devices.
Through the Home and Business Protection Programme, anyone who lives in the city, operates a business in the city, or owns or leases a vehicle registered to a primary address within the city limits, will be reimbursed to cover the costs of private security devices to protect their property and feel safe.
Security devices
The City of Chicago will provide select rebates to cover costs associated with outdoor security camera systems, cloud storage for video footage, outdoor motion-sensor lighting, vehicle GPS trackers, and subscription costs.
The programme is open to all Chicago residents, businesses, religious institutions, and non-profit organisations. Tenants are also welcome to apply for the rebate, provided they have received consent from the property owner.
“We are taking a public health approach to community safety, and that means activating resources across a range of programmes, policy changes, and activities,” said Lightfoot. “The Home and Business Protection Programme serves as our newest resource to support this effort, and it is part of a larger strategy that includes historic investments in affordable housing, mental health, and violence prevention.
“We encourage all residents to take advantage of this programme and join us in our efforts to create safer communities all across our city.”
All applicants who successfully complete their application and meet the qualifying criteria will be reimbursed within 90 days after application approval.
“We’ve been engaging with partners across the city and heard that residents, business owners, and community leaders want these resources. They want to help communities by increasing lighting and solving crimes,” said Tamara Mahal, chief coordination officer, community safety at City of Chicago. “We’re listening to community and working to reduce barriers and equip Chicagoans with the tools they need to protect their property and feel safe.”
Applicants who are interested in aiding the Chicago Police Department (CPD) during criminal investigations have the option to register their camera system with the CPD. The CPD will not have direct access to the camera system and cannot access camera footage without consent. By registering, residents simply allow CPD to request camera footage in the event of a crime. Residents reserve the right to refuse access to camera footage at all times.
“Working with our communities across Chicago is the only way we can strengthen public safety,” said Glen Brooks, CPD Director of Community Policing. “By registering your camera with CPD, it will help detectives solve crimes more efficiently and take violent offenders off the street quicker.”
The programme is first-come, first-serve, and open to residents and business owners throughout Chicago. In order to ensure those who live in communities experiencing higher levels of violence have access to private security devices, the City will partner with community-based organisations to distribute private security equipment in the 15 communities that are considered priority based on historical trends of violence.
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