District of Columbia Code Division I. Government of District. § 1-301.193. Transit corridor safety and emergency response program.

(b)(1) The emergency communication and video surveillance systems shall promptly connect an individual to emergency response services, and audio and video captured by the emergency communication and video surveillance systems may be used to identify violators of District criminal law.

(2) The audio and video captured by the emergency communication and video surveillance systems shall be deleted after 30 calendar days, unless the footage relates to a violation of criminal law, in which case it shall be retained consistent with MPD's retention policies for body-worn camera footage.

(3) The audio and video captured by the emergency communication and video surveillance systems shall not be subject to subchapter II of Chapter 5 of Title 2 [§ 2-531 et seq.], and shall not be released publicly, except as needed for use as evidence in criminal proceedings. Upon public release, the Mayor shall ensure the privacy of those identified in the footage through protective measures, including the blurring of faces of individuals who were not involved in incidents related to the criminal proceedings.

(1) Evaluate various emergency communication and video surveillance station configurations to identify the most appropriate device for use in the District;

(2) Select locations for placement of emergency communication and video surveillance systems in consultation with MPD, MTPD, and DDOT; provided, that:

(3) Provide a report to the Council describing how the location for each emergency communication and video surveillance system was selected;

(4) Install signs providing notice, in the 5 most commonly spoken languages in the District, at locations where an emergency communication and video surveillance system is installed, informing members of the public that audio and video footage is being recorded; and

(5) Collect appropriate data on the effectiveness of the emergency communication and video surveillance system, including how often the emergency communication stations were activated, whether audio or video information captured from the systems led to the successful identification of perpetrators of criminal offenses, and whether incidents of criminal offenses decreased at or near the emergency communication and video surveillance system locations following the installation of the emergency communication and video surveillance system.

(1) The locations, date, and timestamps for when the emergency communication stations were used;

(2) The total number of arrests made due to the conduct recorded or otherwise identified by the emergency communication and video surveillance systems; and

(3) The expenses incurred by the District to implement the demonstration program.

(1) “Bus stop” means any stop, either permanent or temporary, that is part of the Metrobus, DC Circulator, or Streetcar lines within the bounds of the District.

(2) “Emergency communication and video surveillance system” means an emergency communication station affixed with or in close proximity to continuous video surveillance technology operated by, or accessible to, the Metropolitan Police Department.

(3) “Emergency communication station” means a fixed station, illuminated by a bright blue or other colored light beacon, that features an alarm button that, when pressed, communicates directly with an Office of Unified Communications emergency call center.

(4) “Operator of an emergency communication and video surveillance system” means a person authorized to set up, test, or operate an emergency communication and video surveillance system.