Overview
Small businesses can become targets for theft and violent crimes. Surveillance cameras can help businesses by:
- Deterring crime
- Providing information to the police to investigate when crimes do occur
In 2005, the City passed an ordinance to require surveillance cameras. The goal was to protect public health, safety and welfare by increasing security for patrons and employees of these businesses.
Read Minneapolis ordinance 259.230
Requirements
Certain businesses must have a surveillance camera operating in their stores during business hours:
- Gas stations with groceries
- Tobacco dealers
- Grocery stores
- Off-sale liquor establishments
- Confectioneries – candy stores
Rules for for use
Rules for stores with surveillance cameras:
- A sign notifying the public that a surveillance camera is operating on the premises.
- One camera must be aimed at the entrance door.
- Police or Business Licenses must be able to get recording material within 8 hours of their request.
- Minneapolis Police or Business Licenses can inspect the camera to ensure it operates properly.
- Surveillance cameras must record in color.
- Recorded materials must be clear in all lighting conditions and easily viewed. A camera must be fixed to record the entrance door; a panning camera is not allowed.
- Date and time stamps must be printed on the recorded materials.
- Surveillance cameras must record during all hours of operation of the business.
- Gasoline filling station must have cameras that record at the pumps.
Digital surveillance systems
- The digital system must be able to store and retrieve 30 days of recorded materials.
- Recorded materials must be able to be retrieved by business owner and made available to Business Licenses or Minneapolis Police in a viewable format.
Violations
The City will take action with businesses that violate the ordinance.
- In certain circumstances, administrative citations can be issued on the first violation.
- Expect a letter, telephone call or visit from a License Inspector describing the complaint or violation.
- Take this notice seriously. Call your Inspector for information or solutions.
- Failure to comply with violation orders may result in citations, fines, suspensions and revocation of your license to operate.
