Please note: As of May 10, 2024: All applications have been processed and notification has occurred. If you applied, please check the email you submitted with your application. New applications are not being accepted at this time.
Renters will need to submit a signed Landlord Attestation with their application. That form is available here.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dr. Joan M. Williams,
jwilliams@akronohio.gov
(330) 375-2258
Free Doorbell Cameras for City of Akron Residents
Akron, Ohio, April 26,2024 — Akron City Council is following up on its wildly successful Pilot Doorbell Camera Safety Program and expanding camera distribution to all Akron residents in phase two. Starting Wednesday, May 1st, residents can apply for their free camera via the online application. Cameras will be distributed on a rolling basis at council ward meetings. Doorbell cameras are a part of the City’s concerted effort to combat neighborhood crime and package theft.
During the pilot phase of the program, 724 applications were received with 400+ cameras distributed across three wards (Wards 3, 4 and 5). Residents responded favorably to being awarded a camera through this public safety initiative.
“Please extend a great thank you to all involved with the free Ring Camera promotion for me by the city. It has been a wonderful feature that I am very grateful for.... Thank you so much.”
Lisa M
“I just want to acknowledge how organized the process was. I was in and out in a short period of time. Again, thank you Akron City Council.” Jean C
As a crime deterrent, the doorbell camera will provide residents and law enforcement with added visibility into neighborhoods. Recently, an Akron resident’s doorbell camera provided video evidence in a string of thefts.
‘Video from the home of Khai Shelton on Jefferson Avenue (in Akron) shows a burglar up to no good-on-Good Friday. While Shelton was at the gym, a stranger was caught on camera breaking into the home, walking out with Shelton's 65-inch screen TV, and loading it into a car, ABC News 5 Cleveland . ‘Shelton said he showed his videos to police immediately, giving them a clear picture of the suspect's face and of the license plate of the car he was driving. "I showed the other cop the video footage of him and she's like, 'Can you zoom in?' Clear as day, you could see his face. Technology is perfect," Shelton said.’ [1]Neighborhood cameras help Akron Police ID serial burglary suspect, ABC News 5 Cleveland
The Ring Camera and accompanying app functions as a neighborhood watch and provides residents with the ability to capture video and/or photos of criminal activity. A bonus for users is the camera’s intercom (two-way mic/speaker functionality), in addition to the ability to view entry way activity remotely from the convenience of the Ring App.
This program is available to Akron residents, both homeowners and renters. Residents are encouraged to apply early. Each ward has a total allotment of 300 cameras; distribution is limited to one camera per applicant/household. Cameras will be distributed until supplies are exhausted. Individuals that received a camera during the pilot program are not eligible to participate in the second phase of the Doorbell Camera Safety Project.
Beginning May 1st, residents can apply for their free camera via the online application.
The Doorbell Camera Safety Project is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). For more details regarding this program please contact Dr. Joan M. Williams, Council Chief of Staff at JWilliams@akronohio.gov.
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APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN MAY 1, 2024.
