The Monitoring Association (TMA) has released a statement about a popular video doorbell manufacturer’s sales and distribution strategy which leverages the resources of local U.S. law enforcement to sell and distribute its product and to encourage homeowner enrollment in its proprietary mobile app. Video captured by the residential video doorbell may be accessed and shared by the manufacturer and law enforcement by way of the app and its public safety database. 

According to reports, over 225 law enforcement agencies had contracted with the manufacturer as of April 2019. The agreement offers incentives for law enforcement agencies to sell and distribute the video doorbell device to its neighborhood residents, and in tandem to encourage participation in the manufacturer’s app. The reports note video access and download is only permitted with homeowner consent. The app is marketed as a community safety-enhancing service.