New Camera Surveillance System Aims To Catch Illegal Dumpers In The Act Across County

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — In an effort to catch illegal dumpers in the act, the Prince George’s County’s Department of Environment has started implementing advanced camera surveillance systems across the county.

The advanced surveillance systems, supported with a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, are being strategically placed in known dumping areas referred to as “hot spots.” They allow the Environmental Task Force, led by the department of environment and in partnership with other agencies, including the police department, to provide real-time evidence to enforce county property standards, litter and illegal dumping laws.

“My administration has worked diligently to promote a sense of pride in this county by asking every Prince Georgian to join us in keeping litter and illegal dumping out of our neighborhoods and communities,” Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said. “Prince Georgians are tired of seeing mattresses, couches and other items dumped along our roads and in our communities. By deploying these advanced mobile surveillance cameras, we are adding another tool to help us hold people accountable and keep our county clean and beautiful.”

The mobile systems can identify the responsible parties in any lighting conditions. They also can be moved around the county and as criminal dumpers change their patterns.

“These systems will enable us to issue fines and convict dumpers,” DoE Director Andrea Crooms said. “We want these bad actors to know we are taking this seriously and will not tolerate dumping in our community.”