SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Your home security could soon earn you some money.
New legislation coming out of Springfield would increase the use of personal video footage to solve crimes.
The idea came from a successful program in suburban Elmwood Park, where residents receive payment for submitting security camera or doorbell camera video that helps police solve crime. It’s sponsored by Rep. Mike Zalewski.
“I think the proliferation of these cameras and door bell cameras and background cameras, there’s definitely ups and downs with it, but the ups are helping law enforcement immediately identify who the suspects are, helping track their whereabouts, and helping to prevent someone else from being the victim of a crime,” Zalewski said.
If the video helps in the prosecution of a crime, the person providing the footage would receive $100.
“I thought it was a good community-based way to help protect public safety, so that’s why I sponsored the bill,” Zalewski added.
