Offer rebates on new security devices

From staff reports

City officials and others this week launched the Home and Business Protection Program, designed to protect people and property from crime.

Through the program, anyone who lives in the city of Chicago, operates a business in the city, or owns or leases a vehicle registered to a primary address within the city limits will be able to receive reimbursement from the City to cover the costs of private security devices to protect their property and feel safe.

Starting this week, 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 program is open to all Chicago residents, businesses, religious institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Tenants are also welcome to apply for the rebate, provided they have received consent from the property owner.

Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria below may receive reimbursement for:

• Up to $225 per camera (cost of camera and tax only) for a maximum of 2 cameras, or a total $450 reimbursement
• One year of subscription costs for cloud-based video storage systems for a maximum of $150 per annual subscription

• Up to $100 per light (cost of light and tax only) for a maximum of 2 lights, or a total $200 reimbursement
• Up to $50 per vehicle GPS tracking device (cost device and tax only) for a maximum of 2 devices, or a total $100 reimbursement
• One year of subscription costs for GPS tracking applications as required for use by the vehicle GPS tracking device manufacturer up to $120

All those who successfully complete their application will be reimbursed within 90 days after application approval. To be eligible for any qualifying rebates, the following requirements must be met:

• The applicant must be an owner or tenant of a property used as a primary residence, business, religious institution, or nonprofit organizations within the City of Chicago OR own or lease a vehicle registered to a primary address within the City of Chicago.
• The applicant must provide documentation that verifies proof of purchase.
• The applicant must provide photo documentation that verifies installation.

Applicants who are interested in aiding the Chicago Police Department (CPD) during criminal investigations have the option to register their camera system at chicagopolice.org/cameraregistration. Registration of the camera system location with the CPD is not required to participate in the Home and Business Protection Program. 

For residents who decide to register their cameras, 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.

The program 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 organizations to distribute private security equipment in the 15 communities considered “high priority” based on historical trends of violence. Two of the 15—Back of the Yards and Chicago Lawn—are on the Southwest Side.

Only security devices purchased on or after Monday, June 6, qualify for reimbursement. No rebates will be provided for private security equipment purchased prior to this date. Installation costs of cameras, lighting, and GPS tracking devices are also not eligible for reimbursement. Additional criteria for security camera, lighting, and vehicle GPS Tracking Device rebates can be found at Chicago.gov/HBPP.