FREDERICK, Md. (PRWEB) July 10, 2023

Downtown Frederick Partnership has received a grant for $25,000 from the Dakota James Foundation to provide security cameras to Downtown Frederick businesses. This program, in coordination with the City of Frederick Police Department, is helping Downtown Frederick businesses defray the costs of purchasing security cameras to make downtown streets more secure for all residents and businesses. This grant is available exclusively to commercial businesses and commercial property owners that occupy the first floor of a building in Downtown Frederick.

The Dakota James Foundation, founded and operated by Pam & Jeff James, has provided this generous grant in honor of their son, Dakota, who went missing in Pittsburgh on January 25, 2017. Dakota both worked and was attending college full-time to earn his master’s degree. His body was found in the Ohio River on March 6, 2017.

Explains Jeff James, “When our son, Dakota, went missing we sadly learned first-hand that security cameras were often not placed in key areas and the information from what cameras did exist was often not made available. Our foundation’s mission is to prevent others from having to go through our ordeal.”

Businesses who receive a grant give permission for their cameras to be registered with the City of Frederick Police Department for at least two years. Businesses also are agreeing that, if asked, they will share their footage with the City of Frederick Police Department. Registering cameras helps businesses and law enforcement address crime-related issues collaboratively. The footage will assist the Frederick City Police Criminal Investigation Division, patrol and other partner agencies as circumstances arise.

Eligible businesses are being awarded up to $500 to cover the cost of the cameras, with no financial match from the businesses required. At least one camera must provide a clear view of the primary commercial street in front of the business. The remainder of the cameras may be internally focused. Businesses who received funding in the first security camera grant round in late 2022 are not eligible for funding in the second round.

Partnership Executive Director Kara Norman is thrilled with the grant. “Increasing the number of cameras downtown helps to provide a safer environment for our merchants, visitors and residents. We are grateful for the generosity of the Dakota James Foundation for the opportunity to use this grant funding to support our downtown businesses and the community overall.”

For more information, email [email protected] or call the office at 301.698.8118.

Downtown Frederick Partnership works to enhance, promote and preserve the vitality, livability and diversity of Downtown Frederick, a national Main Street Program.

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