COLUMBUS, Ohio — The city has launched a new program aimed at putting more doorbell cameras outside of Columbus households.
Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein announced the “Porch Protection Program” on Monday, saying it will help reduce crime and improve neighborhood safety.
The pilot project is funded through the American Rescue Plan and will help equip lower-income households living in higher-crime areas with cameras.
“Camera-equipped doorbells are an easy deterrent to crime and package theft, especially important now during the holidays,” Klein said. “This program can give families peace of mind, reduce theft in higher crime areas, and cut down on police calls for service. It’s a win-win for families and public safety.”
The city aims to distribute more than 700 camera-equipped doorbells to households across the 10 Columbus zip codes with the highest crime rates and police calls for service.
Eligible households interested in a camera are asked to enter the city’s lottery here. Residents have until Dec. 9 to apply.
Here are the requirements for eligibility:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Own their home or receive written notice from a landlord allowing a camera to be installed at their rental unit
- Earn up to 200% of the federal poverty level
- Not be employed by or closely related to an employee of the City of Columbus
- Live in a qualifying ZIP code: 43201, 43204, 43207, 43211, 43219, 43223, 43224, 43228, 43229, or 43232
- Have wireless internet access at their home
Klein's office said that the cost of any additional, premium subscription-based services will be the responsibility of owners.
According to Klein’s office, the city or law enforcement will not have access to any real-time or archive footage captured by the cameras.