KANKAKEE, IL - (December 16, 2020) – According to an article this past May in the Community Policing Dispatch blog, local municipalities can collaborate with residents to help solve crime and build trust through camera programs.  These programs help to build positive relationships between residents and police. Cities with a camera incentive program have been able to deter crimes such as package theft and residential burglary and they help police respond faster to the needs in communities. Camera programs may not solve crime, but research shows they have been key factors in aiding an investigation that eventually is solved. With this information and feedback from residents in the City of Kankakee, the Economic and Community Development Agency (ECDA) created a camera program.   

 

The City of Kankakee Private Security Camera Incentive Program (PSCIP) creates an incentive for residents, businesses, nonprofits, and religious institutions to purchase and install security cameras that are intended to help deter crime and assist law enforcement with investigations. The program offers rebates for the purchase of security cameras from donations made by local businesses.

 

“The PSCIP is a simple program that was formed at the request of the residents after a community meeting and funded by local businesses”, said Director, Barbi Brewer-Watson. “Thank you to First Trust Bank, River Valley Recycling, Curtis-Nugent Real Estate, and Crawford’s Barbershop for helping to fund this local initiative.”

 

Applicants can apply for a security camera rebate of up to $100 per camera for residential addresses and $50 per address of a property used for anything other than a residence. Only one security camera per property address will be eligible and security cameras must be installed on the exterior of a building. Residents have to provide permission and access to their cameras voluntarily to the police department. There is no camera registration required and all information shared through this program to receive the rebate will be kept confidential. 

 

“These cameras will provide our local law enforcement with an additional tool to help solve crime. We know it will take the work of the entire community to build a safer place for everyone. While I encourage residents and business owners to apply, I also encourage neighbors to get to know each other and get involved in their community,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

 

The ECDA will give priority consideration to properties, businesses, and religious institutions in the following Police Service Areas (PSA):

 

•          PSA First District - 1000 and 1100 blocks of N. Chicago Ave.

•          PSA Second District - 1000 and 1100 blocks of Chicago Pl.

•          PSA Third District - 300 and 400 blocks of S. Lincoln Ave.

•          PSA Fourth District - 300 and 400 blocks of Osborn Ave.

•          PSA Fifth District - 300 and 400 blocks of S. Rosewood Ave.

•          PSA Sixth District - 300 and 400 blocks of S. Wildwood Ave.

 

More information on the PSCIP guidelines and the application can be found on the ECDA webpage in the “Meeting Information” tab under “Resources” at https://ecda.citykankakee-il.gov/meeting-information.php. For questions, please contact the ECDA office at (815) 933-0506 or email yourvoice@citykankakee-il.gov.

 

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About the Economic and Community Development Agency (ECDA):

The Kankakee Economic and Community Development (ECDA) is a local government agency whose mission is to improve the lives of Kankakee residents and enhance the economic vitality of communities through housing, economic development and community development. The ECDA administers programs that serve the neighborhoods and residents of the City of Kankakee provided by federal, state and local funding. For more information, contact ECDA at 815-933-0506, Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit our website at https://ecda.citykankakee-il.gov/.

 

About the City of Kankakee, Illinois:

The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

Download the Press Release - The City of Kankakee Launches Private Security Camera Incentive Program