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Milpitas Offers Free Doorbell Cameras to Residents
The city council approved $60,000 for a program to distribute free wireless cameras with no required subscription.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:05pm
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The city of Milpitas, California has approved a $60,000 program to provide free wireless doorbell cameras to residents on a first-come, first-served basis. The goal is to deter crime and help police gather video evidence, with the footage remaining under the control of residents. While some privacy advocates have raised concerns about such programs, city officials say public safety is their top priority.
Why it matters
Doorbell camera programs have become increasingly common as law enforcement agencies seek to partner with residents to aid in crime prevention and investigation. However, these programs raise concerns about privacy and surveillance, especially when footage can be accessed by police or private companies. Milpitas' approach aims to balance public safety with resident control over the footage.
The details
The Milpitas City Council unanimously approved the program on March 17, which will distribute one free camera per household through the Milpitas Police Department. The cameras will have at least 90 days of data storage and no required subscription fees. Officials say this ensures the cameras can remain fully operational without ongoing costs, reducing financial barriers to participation.
- The Milpitas City Council approved the program on March 17, 2026.
- The free cameras will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The players
Milpitas City Council
The city government of Milpitas, California that approved the $60,000 program to provide free doorbell cameras to residents.
Milpitas Police Department
The local law enforcement agency that will be distributing the free doorbell cameras to Milpitas residents.
Evelyn Chua
A Milpitas City Council member who stated that public safety is the top priority and that the camera program will help strengthen the connection between the community and law enforcement.
What they’re saying
“Public safety is my top priority, and this door camera initiative is about strengthening crime prevention right where it matters most — at home. By equipping residents with tools and partnering closely with our Milpitas Police Department, we're building a stronger connection between our community and law enforcement to help deter crime and protect our neighborhoods.”
— Evelyn Chua, Milpitas City Council Member
What’s next
The Milpitas Police Department will begin distributing the free doorbell cameras to residents on a first-come, first-served basis.
The takeaway
Milpitas' program to provide free doorbell cameras to residents aims to balance public safety concerns with resident control over footage, addressing some of the privacy issues that have arisen with similar law enforcement partnerships in other cities.
