Prince George’s County MD. considers mandatory security cameras in apartment complexes amidst rising crime rates
Prince George County MD July 11, 2023 Currently, in Prince George’s County, security cameras in and around apartment complexes are optional, but that could soon be changing.
The Vistas at Lake Largo in Upper Marlboro is one of the properties that has garnered some attention among county leaders. The senior living facility has cameras but 7News learned that they haven’t worked for two years. The Prince George’s County Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee is now considering requiring security surveillance cameras at high occupancy buildings, and at senior housing residences.
The Council Bill-066-2023, legislation proposed by Council Member Wala Blegay, also calls for the use of mandatory security guards at certain properties.
”Crime is rising and in parts of my district and residents in my community are victims of it. These cameras allow to help our law enforcement partners catch the perpetrators that are in our community. In addition, it allows many in our community to feel safe,” said Blegay.
Under the measure, the Prince George’s County Government would require high occupancy apartment buildings, or groups of buildings, comprised of more than 100 units to have security cameras at every building with a 180-degree field of view and at each aperture designated for entry and exit, and each parking lot, parking garage, car park and parking facility.
Landlords would be required to retain camera footage for at least 30 days. Many crimes in the county including shootings, carjackings and robberies originate in apartment buildings. Additionally, the Council bill has provisions requiring landlords to repair defective or malfunctioning equipment within 14 business days.
For the senior housing dwellings, the bill would require at least one 12-hour security guard on duty each day of the week. After an initial hearing late last week, the council has concerns, including the cost to property owners that could be passed to tenants.
”Is the responsibility or the cost going to be shifted solely to the landlord and is there some way to regulate to where the landlord cannot shift that burden to the tenant? Because with rent stabilization, the increase of cost of the surveillance cameras, someone is going to pay for that and we also want to make sure that our vulnerable group of populations aren’t incurring that additional cost,” said Sakinda Skinner, County Council Liaison.
The bill will be amended and brought back to the committee in September, in the meantime, residents are asked and encouraged to give their feedback.
