The Freeport Police Department is making Ring doorbells available to residents for free on a first-come, first-serve basis. In exchange, you must agree to provide surveillance footage when needed to assist in an investigation. (Photo provided by city of Freeport)
From news release
Rock River Current
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Update: As of 10:15 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20, all cameras have been claimed

FREEPORT — Ring video doorbell cameras are now available for residents qualified to participate in the city’s pilot program.

The program provides doorbell cameras to residents on a first-come, first-serve basis provided they agree to share footage to assist police with investigations. Under the pilot program, the cameras are only being distributed to residents who live in the area bounded by Empire Street to South Street, Main Street and Lincoln Avenue to the north, Adams Avenue to the east and West Avenue to the west.

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To obtain a camera, visit the Freeport Police Department, 320 W. Exchange St. The cameras are available from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. today, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.

To qualify to receive a camera you must:

  • Live within the designated area and provide proof of residency
  • Have an in-home Wi-Fi internet subscription service
  • Download the Ring Doorbell App
  • Agree to allow the police to access any video footage

The Freeport Police Department will provide a one-time $40 gift card to Cub Foods or Walmart as a reimbursement for the annual Ring subscription fee. Residents will be required to pay future annual fees.

The department says that video doorbells and surveillance cameras have assisted in the investigation of several crimes, and they want to increase the number of cameras in high-crime areas.

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