diff --git a/frigate/comms/dispatcher.py b/frigate/comms/dispatcher.py
index 2c8b26ed2..49a134a9c 100644
--- a/frigate/comms/dispatcher.py
+++ b/frigate/comms/dispatcher.py
@@ -103,10 +103,11 @@ class Dispatcher:
         # Send SIGUSR1 to resume, SIGUSR2 to pause
         new_state = True if payload == "ON" else False if payload == "OFF" else None
         if new_state is not None:
-            sig = signal.SIGUSR1 if new_state else signal.SIGUSR2
             self.config.cameras[camera_name].capture_enabled = new_state
-            os.kill(capture_proc.pid, sig)
             self.publish(f"{camera_name}/capture/state", payload, retain=True)
+            if capture_proc and capture_proc.pid:
+                sig = signal.SIGUSR1 if new_state else signal.SIGUSR2
+                os.kill(capture_proc.pid, sig)
 
     def _on_detect_command(self, camera_name: str, payload: str) -> None:
         """Callback for detect topic."""