Ring Doorbell Cameras Help Deter Crime in Baltimore Neighborhood

Residents in Coldstream Homestead Montebello say the technology has improved safety and communication with police.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Residents in Baltimore's Coldstream Homestead Montebello neighborhood have installed nearly 300 Ring doorbell cameras, funded by state resources in 2024, to help improve safety and communication with law enforcement. Community leaders say the technology has had a positive impact, allowing neighbors to view footage in real-time and share it with police to help prevent and investigate crimes.

Why it matters

The use of Ring doorbell cameras in this Baltimore neighborhood highlights how technology can be leveraged by communities to enhance public safety, even in areas with higher crime rates. However, it also raises privacy concerns that residents and officials must consider.

The details

The Ring doorbell cameras were installed as part of a security initiative, with residents like Maraizu Onyenaka, the president of the Coldstream Homestead Montebello community, reporting that the technology makes them feel safer and allows them to monitor their porches. Community leaders, such as Mark Washington, the executive director for community cooperation, noted that the cameras have helped them share footage with the Baltimore Police Department to aid in crime prevention and investigation.

  • The Ring doorbell cameras were installed in the Coldstream Homestead Montebello neighborhood in 2024, funded by state resources.
  • The technology has been in use by residents for the past two years.

The players

Maraizu Onyenaka

The president of the Coldstream Homestead Montebello community in Baltimore.

Mark Washington

The executive director for community cooperation in the Coldstream Homestead Montebello neighborhood.

Richard Forno

An associate director at the UMBC Cybersecurity Institute who commented on the benefits and privacy concerns of the Ring doorbell cameras.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Oh, I definitely feel safer. I have eyes on my porch.”

— Maraizu Onyenaka, President of Coldstream Homestead Montebello (wbal.com)

“I get a number of videos captured by the Ring doorbell cameras that we share with BPD.”

— Mark Washington, Executive director for community cooperation (wbal.com)

“There is indeed a benefit to Ring doorbells and Nest doorbells and things like that from a crime prevention perspective, either to deter or to help track down the perpetrators down the road.”

— Richard Forno, Associate director at the UMBC Cybersecurity Institute (wbal.com)

What’s next

Community leaders and officials in Baltimore will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the Ring doorbell cameras in deterring and investigating crime, while also addressing any privacy concerns that arise from the widespread use of the technology.

The takeaway

The use of Ring doorbell cameras in the Coldstream Homestead Montebello neighborhood of Baltimore demonstrates how technology can be leveraged by communities to enhance public safety, but it also highlights the need to balance the benefits of such tools with the potential privacy implications for residents.