DeKalb County BOC approves mandatory video surveillance at convenience stores, high-risk businesses in effort to deter crime

DECATUR, GA— The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 13 approved a Video Surveillance Ordinance that will require convenience stores and high-risk businesses to own and operate a video surveillance system.

“With the ongoing violence and crime DeKalb County is experiencing, particularly at gas and service stations, the approval of this ordinance couldn’t be more dire,” said DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “The ordinance will be a valuable tool in deterring crime and serving justice to anyone who engages in criminal activity at a DeKalb gas or service station.”

Convenience stores and other high-risk businesses must be in compliance with provisions of the ordinance by June 30, 2023.

Initially introduced on Feb. 22 by Commissioner Cochran-Johnson, the approved legislation defines high-risk businesses for legal purposes and allows DeKalb County to extend those requirements to any business deemed high-risk to ensure public safety. It also ties the ability to renew a business license to video surveillance system compliance.

The ordinance states that the impacted businesses must:

• Keep a video surveillance system in continuous operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including outside business hours.
• Meet the minimum standard of 4MP Wi-Fi network cameras that includes digital video recording with 24 frames per second and infrared night vision to ensure clarity.
• Place cameras at registers, points of entry and exit, gas pumps, loading docks, and parking areas.
• Undergo mandatory inspection of new construction plans or a one-time initial inspection of video surveillance system to ensure compliance.
• Submit an annual affidavit with each application for the renewal of a business license that the video surveillance system is operational and in full compliance with the applicable requirements and standards within Ordinance.
• Place notice of presence of video surveillance system at the register and on premise to inform the public that the premises are actively monitored.
• Make a digital video recording available to the Chief or any other peace officer for viewing no later than 72 hours after being requested.
• Store video footage for 60 days.
• Footage must display proper date and time.
• Ensure VSS capture and lighting must extend no less than 75 feet of building periphery.