Security Camera Rebate Program

BusinessPublic Safety
Written By Albert Ricci

In the interest of public safety, a business friendly environment, and partnering with the business groups, I am proposing the Safe Streets, Secure Business Rebate Program—an privately funded initiative that would offer up to $1,000 to local businesses for the purchase of security camera hardware. The goal is to strengthen public safety, deter crime, and support police investigations by encouraging more exterior-facing surveillance in commercial areas. To qualify, businesses would need to submit proof of purchase and install at least one camera that monitors a public-facing space such as a storefront, sidewalk, or parking lot. This common-sense policy is designed to support small businesses and improve neighborhood safety without using taxpayer dollars.

- Below is a draft of the potential resolution -

RESOLUTION NO. [XXXX]

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ORANGE, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE “SAFE STREETS, SECURE BUSINESS” SECURITY CAMERA REBATE PROGRAM TO SUPPORT CRIME DETERRENCE AND PUBLIC SAFETY THROUGH PRIVATE FUNDING

WHEREAS, the City of Orange is committed to fostering a safe and vibrant business environment for residents, merchants, and visitors; and

WHEREAS, visible security camera infrastructure has been shown to deter property crimes, support police investigations, and improve public confidence in commercial districts; and

WHEREAS, local business owners—particularly small and mid-sized operators—face rising costs and limited access to capital for investing in preventative safety measures; and

WHEREAS, a rebate program funded by private donations, partnerships, and sponsorships will allow the City to assist businesses in obtaining security camera equipment without using taxpayer dollars or General Fund allocations; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 11565 (FY 2024–2025), the City Manager is authorized to appropriate donations of up to $5,000 per donor per fiscal year, with larger donations subject to approval by four members of the City Council;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ORANGE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. PROGRAM ESTABLISHMENT

There is hereby established the Safe Streets, Secure Business Security Camera Rebate Program (“Program”), which shall provide rebates of up to $1,000 per eligible business for the reimbursement of initial hardware costs related to the purchase of exterior-facing security camera systems.

SECTION 2. PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Eligible applicants must:

  • Maintain a valid City of Orange business license;

  • Operate within a commercially zoned location in city limits;

  • Be in good standing with no outstanding code enforcement violations;

  • Submit proof of purchase for eligible hardware dated within the fiscal year of application;

  • Install at least one camera that clearly and continuously records an exterior-facing, publicly visible area, such as a storefront, entrance, sidewalk, alley, or parking lot.

SECTION 3. REBATE TERMS

  • Rebates shall cover only initial hardware costs, including cameras, recording units, and on-site data storage equipment.

  • Rebates shall not cover:

    • Installation labor

    • Subscription or cloud-based services

    • Warranties or ongoing service contracts

  • Equipment must retain footage for a minimum of 15 days and be made available to the Orange Police Department upon lawful request.

SECTION 4. ADMINISTRATION AND FUNDING

  • The Program shall be administered by the Economic Development Division, in coordination with the Orange Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit.

  • Rebates shall be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to the availability of funds.

  • The Program shall be entirely privately funded through donations and sponsorships.

  • Donations under $5,000 per donor per fiscal year may be accepted and appropriated by the City Manager. Donations exceeding this amount shall require Council approval by four affirmative votes.

SECTION 5. ANNUAL REPORTING

The City Manager, or their designee, shall prepare an annual report to the City Council detailing:

  • Number and location of rebates issued;

  • Total funds expended and received;

  • Summary of any law enforcement case support attributed to rebate-funded equipment;

  • Recommendations for program continuation or expansion.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this ___ day of ___________, 2027, by the following vote:

AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:

Albert Ricci