Public Camera Registration

 

ARLINGTON COUNTY CAMERA REGISTRATION

Register your security camera and become a public safety partner

Arlington County is committed to its partnership with the community to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors. The County's program allows for residents and business owners to voluntarily register their privately-owned video security cameras. We encourage you to participate in this initiative to help Arlington County ensure public safety across our community.

  • Registration is free and voluntary.
  • Allows public safety agencies to contact you if a public safety event occurs in your area.
  • Registering does not provide the County with direct access to your camera system. Camera footage cannot be accessed without your consent.
  • Residents and business owners can opt-out at any time.
  • You may only register a camera owned by you or a business you represent.

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What can I expect after registering my camera?

If a public safety event occurs in your area, the County may contact you and request you to share applicable camera footage.

What is the County's process for requesting footage?

Public Safety personnel may contact you and request you upload the footage using a secure link.

Can I refuse to share footage?

Yes. There is no requirement to provide footage and you can decline to do so at any time.

What are the benefits of registering the location of your camera?

Video evidence plays a crucial role in solving crimes in Arlington County. Providing footage lessens the need for the home/ business owner to attend court proceedings.

Arlington County's Public Safety Agency's work collaboratively to ensure safety across Arlington's neighborhoods. The County's efforts are enhanced by the active involvement of residents and businesses. When you register your camera, you allow public safety personnel to contact you if a public safety event occurs in your area.

Who is eligible?

Any resident and/or business owner in Arlington County with a private security camera who wants to support public safety efforts and aid in investigations.

How can I register my camera?

You can register your security camera system by completing the Arlington County Public Safety Camera Registry. The process is simple and takes only a few minutes. At the end, you will be asked to certify that the information is accurate to the best of your ability. You can register more than one camera system for different locations under your control.

Is there a cost to register?

No.

How will my camera information be used?

Public Safety personnel may contact you using the information provided during the registration to investigate a public safety event. The camera system is your property, and you may decline the release of any footage.

Will the County have a direct feed into my camera?

No, the County will not have access to your camera system. Registering your camera is voluntary and provides the County with the location of your cameras and a way to contact you and request footage if a nearby public safety event occurs.

Will my information be shared?

The registration is exempt from FOIA pursuant to Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3706(D) as it contains "identifying information of a personal nature where such release would jeopardize the safety or privacy the persons listed.”

If I no longer want to share my information, how do I opt-out?

You may request your registration be removed at any time. To remove your information, contact CameraRegistration@arlingtonva.us.

If I have questions, who can I contact?

You may submit any questions to CameraRegistration@arlingtonva.us.

What should I do if I know my camera captured criminal activity?

To report in-progress criminal activity, contact the Emergency Communication Center at 703-558-2222 or 9-1-1, in the event of an emergency.

To report applicable non-emergency incidents which are not in-progress, file an online police report and indicate you have video of the incident.

 

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