The goal of the CCTV system is to enhance the safety and security of residents, workers and visitors in the District of Columbia, while vigorously respecting the privacy rights of individuals.
The system provides law enforcement with real-time, visual information during major events such as demonstrations, presidential inaugurations and marches. During periods of heightened alert, the system allows police to monitor public spaces around key installations that are at risk of terrorist attacks, without having to assign a large number of uniformed officers to that task. The CCTV system helps the MPDC to deploy resources more efficiently and to respond to incidents more quickly and effectively, while continuing to maintain essential neighborhood patrols.