Prince George’s County, Maryland is leading the way in public housing security by mandating AI-powered, 24/7 surveillance at large apartment complexes and senior housing to improve safety, deter crime, and promote community trust.
It’s no secret that technology is reshaping nearly every corner of our lives from how we shop to how we learn, communicate, and even stay safe. One of the most exciting and important shifts happening right now is the way we use tech to protect our communities. Public housing security is no longer a front desk check-in or a neighborhood watch sign. It’s evolving into something smarter, faster, and more proactive.
In Prince George’s County, Maryland, that evolution is now written into law.
Starting June 1, 2025, all multi-family apartment buildings with more than 100 units and all senior housing residences in Prince George’s County must install and maintain 24-hour surveillance systems on all exterior doors. It’s a bold move aimed at cutting down on crime, improving community trust, and holding property owners more accountable for resident safety.
At its core, the legislation is about creating a safer, more secure living environment through technology. But it’s also a sign of a broader trend that’s taking hold across the country: public housing security is being redefined through innovation.
When Council Vice Chair Wala Blegay introduced the bill, it wasn’t based on a theory. It was in response to real complaints from residents—people whose cars were broken into, who felt unsafe walking home, and who needed more than good intentions to feel protected. Having more security cameras in the county helps keep residents safe, including its vulnerable senior community.
“We want our residents to feel safe. There has been an increase in crime in apartments and age-restricted senior housing dwellings and this bill is one step toward preventing break-ins and other types of crime in Prince George’s County,” said Blegay.
And she’s right. The presence of visible security equipment, especially AI-powered cameras, does more than just record footage—it signals to would-be criminals that they’re being watched and increases residents' confidence that someone cares about their safety.
This new legislation calls for:
The Prince George’s County mandate isn’t just about plugging in a few cameras and hoping for the best. It’s about building smarter, more integrated security operations that proactively protect communities. That’s where companies like LiveView Technologies® (LVT) come in.
LVT offers state-of-the-art mobile surveillance units that are solar-powered and easy to deploy. These systems can be placed almost anywhere, making them perfect for dynamic public housing environments. And they’re not just passive observers—they use AI-powered cameras to detect motion, analyze threats, and send real-time alerts to security teams or law enforcement.
In other words, they don’t just sit by and watch; they act.
Traditional cameras are fine at capturing events. But AI-powered cameras go a step further. They’re equipped with smart features like:
This kind of smart surveillance helps fill the gap between security presence and incident response. It’s especially valuable in large public housing complexes where threats can arise suddenly. Plus, maintaining 24-hour footage for 30 days becomes much more manageable when AI filters out false alarms and flags relevant incidents.
No new legislation comes without pushback, and this bill is no exception. Landlords and property managers have raised valid concerns about cost and infrastructure challenges, especially in older buildings that may lack the wiring needed for a full camera system.
To address that, the county is offering a $5,000 rebate for qualifying properties, which helps reduce the financial burden. And Councilmember Blegay has made it clear she’s open to ongoing collaboration with real estate stakeholders to find workable solutions.
Privacy is another issue that comes up in any discussion around surveillance. But the county has emphasized that footage access will be tightly controlled, only available to law enforcement or authorized city officials. The goal is not to invade privacy, but to promote safety.
As this mandate rolls out, residents should expect to see more visible signs of security including cameras at entrances. Public meetings and online platforms will be available for residents to provide feedback, ask questions, and suggest improvements.
Many housing authorities are also planning community education programs so residents understand what the technology does, how footage is used, and what to do if they spot something concerning.
How will city officials know if this initiative is working? The county plans to track:
In places like Prince George’s County, where infrastructure challenges are real and crime prevention is urgent, a successful implementation could become a blueprint for other counties looking to modernize their approach to public housing security too.
This legislation in Maryland is likely just the beginning. Across the U.S., there’s a growing recognition that modern security requires more than a padlock or an occasional patrol. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, the ability to customize and scale these systems means communities can tailor their approach without sacrificing effectiveness.
As more cities consider similar laws, technology won’t just be part of community safety, it’ll be the foundation of it.
To see how AI-powered cameras can help keep your community safe, contact LVT today for a free demo.
