AKRON, Ohio — There’s a new program in the city of Akron that provides free Ring doorbell cameras to residents who live in specific zip codes as an effort to deter crime.
Applications are now being accepted through Friday, July 14, for residents who live in one of the following zip codes:
- 44320
- 44311
- 44307
- 44302
Akron City Council says these zip codes were selected “based on the 2022 crime hotspot map provided by the Akron Police Department.”
Both homeowners and renters are eligible to apply, but Akron City Council says renters will be required to submit a landlord attestation in conjunction with the program application to be considered for a camera.
CLICK HERE to apply. There's a limit of one camera per household. Applications will be accepted until 460 eligible households have been identified and approved, which happens on a first-come, first-served basis.
Here are the rules associated with getting one of the free doorbell cameras as outlined on the application page:
- Applicant agrees that the device will be timely installed, and remain, at the property identified in the application.
- The unit will not be utilized in any manner inconsistent with applicable law and will not be utilized for any criminal or commercial endeavor.
- Applicant will abide by all terms and conditions of use imposed by Ring (the vendor).
- Applicant will not sell, transfer, alter, or destroy the unit.
- Applicant will timely create a Ring account and will use his/her/their best efforts to notify the City and/or provide it with access to footage for law enforcement review suspected or actual criminal activity that does, or could, rise to the level of a felony.
- Applicant shall not in any way obstruct or object to the City’s request to review Ring footage so long as the Akron Police Department reasonably believes it is necessary to the investigation of an actual or potential felony crime.
- Upon acceptance of the unit, the City shall have no further cost or responsibility to install, operate, or maintain the unit, and that these responsibilities are solely that of the applicant.
- Applicant shall ensure that the unit operates consistently and shall maintain the unit in good and operable condition to the fullest extent reasonably possible, for at least the lesser period of: a) 2 years from the date or install, or b) date of transfer of legal title to the property.
- Titled legal owner must notify the City, in advance, of any planned change in ownership to the property in writing.
- In the event any of the terms and conditions of Ring and/or Akron Smart Neighborhood Watch Program application/registration are violated, Applicant will/may be responsible for returning the unit or remitting the cost of the unit to the City.
- Applicant will waive and hold City harmless from any damage, loss, injury, or death that results from, or is related to, this Ring program and/or the installation and use of the Ring product.
Once approved, distribution of the free Ring doorbell cameras will take place on Saturday, Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the following locations:
Wards 3 and 5
South Street Ministries
798 Grant Street
Akron, OH 44311
Ward 4
New Hope Baptist Church
1706 S Hawkins Ave
Akron, OH 44320
