DC leaders to give away free dash cams to people who spend a lot of time behind the wheel
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said Wednesday "It focuses on public safety,"
The cameras will be handed out later this summer at designated locations to drivers who work for food delivery or ride-sharing companies.
It is being funded through a $500,000 donation by on-demand food delivery service DoorDash.
“Advancing the safety of our entire community is incredibly important to everyone at DoorDash,” said John Horton, a company spokesman. "We look forward to taking this bold step with Mayor Bowser and the Metropolitan Police Department as we work together to achieve a safer future for everyone in the District."
City agencies and DoorDash also plan to work together to raise awareness of other preventative efforts to reduce crime risk, such as never leaving a car running unattended.
“This is the first time we've launched a show of this type in DC,” Bowser said. "It's about using all the tools at our disposal."
Bowser said people who agree to the cameras are expected to share video footage with police if they ever ask to see it as part of an investigation.
Is similar to a security camera incentive program that already exists in the District, which encourages residents to purchase and install camera systems on their property.
The program offers a rebate of up to $200 per camera, with a maximum rebate of up to $500 per residential address.
“What our law enforcement partners are telling us is that video evidence is crucial to solving crimes and closing cases,” Bowser said.
