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Business camera rebate pilot draws mixed reviews from communities and OVSJG says expansion is a test
Summary
Community leaders described problems with the Camera Connect rebate pilot's eligibility and application process and asked OVSJG to allow community associations and nonprofits to participate; OVSJG said the program is a pilot expansion this year and emphasized property-owner consent and anti-fraud safeguards.
Several witnesses urged the committee to adjust the Camera Connect security camera rebate pilot to make it easier for community associations, business improvement districts and nonprofits to participate.
Karen Gault, chair of the 3rd District Citizens Advisory Council, said community groups in Mount Pleasant were unable to use the rebate because program rules required the property owner to be the applicant. "They were told the rebate must go to the property owner... The organization is not the property owner and that structure did not work," she said, and asked OVSJG to review eligibility and provide monthly data to the CAC on rebate applications and outcomes.
Director Porter said the rebate program was designed as a public-safety incentive and that the expansion for FY26 is intended as a litmus test; OVSJG updated rules to reduce fraud risk and requires property-owner authorization so an owner's consent and privacy choices are respected. "We believe that that should be the decision of that individual entity," Porter said. She added OVSJG would meet and coordinate with ANCs and BIDs and that the pilot includes changes intended to improve accessibility while preserving owner autonomy.
The committee asked OVSJG to follow up with community groups on the denial reasons and to provide data on voucher approvals, denials and pending applications in targeted police service areas; Chair Pinto said she would raise the community requests with Director Porter.
