The Metropolitan Police Department today announced the planned deployment of six more Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras designed to help combat crime in District of Columbia neighborhoods. Installation of the six new cameras began on Wednesday and is expected to be completed by the end of the week, at which time the MPD will have a total of 25 CCTV cameras for combating neighborhood crime.

In selecting locations for CCTV cameras, the Chief of Police is required by law to consider calls for police service, reported crimes and other public safety indicators, as well as recommendations or requests from Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and civic or citizen associations. The Chief also considers public housing developments in Hot Spot areas.

The use of CCTV cameras for crime-fighting purposes is permitted under the Enhanced Crime Prevention and Abatement Emergency Amendment Act of 2006, which the DC Council passed and Mayor Anthony A. Williams signed in July.

 The cameras, which focus on public space only, are “passively monitored” by the MPD, meaning that officers generally will not be watching the camera feeds in real time.  Rather, camera images will be recorded and then reviewed by police if there are reports of criminal activity in the area. 

Plans call for approximately four dozen neighborhood cameras to be installed by the end of September. The neighborhood cameras can be deployed during the 90 days in which the emergency legislation is in effect. Extending their use beyond that time would require further action by the Council.