Richmond Heights now requires cameras in retail establishments

Richmond Heights City Council has passed legislation requiring all retail establishments to install cameras to capture faces of customers entering or leaving their buildings.

New legislation passed by the Richmond Heights City Council mandates that all retail establishments operating inside the city borders install cameras to capture the faces of anyone entering or leaving their buildings as well as the immediate vicinity of their establishments. The statute stipulates that police must see the video if they believe a crime has been committed. In accordance with the code, video surveillance systems must, at the very least, have cameras at each entrance and exit pointed in the direction of people arriving and leaving the immediate area outside the building.

In 2022, Richmond Heights implemented a camera policy for all apartment complexes in response to a request by Tom Wetzel, the police chief at the time. Chief Calvin Williams stated that companies will be required to provide any film, and authorities will issue a warrant if they refuse. He believes the new rule is a way to enforce city-set requirements rather than an extension of police surveillance, and businesses will be required to comply.

Businesses will have six months to comply with the new regulation, according to city records. Businesses found to be in violation of the ordinance face fines of up to $500 per penalty, and if the cameras are not present for more than six months, a new citation may be issued every day.