California Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced the installation of 480 high-tech surveillance cameras in Oakland and surrounding freeways to combat crime. These cameras, provided by Flock Safety, will be able to identify and track vehicles by their license plates, type, color, and even decals and bumper stickers. The cameras will provide real-time alerts of suspect vehicles, giving law enforcement valuable tools to combat criminal activity.
While some opponents of the technology argue that it infringes on privacy and could lead to further police abuse of marginalized communities, Newsom believes that the surveillance network will help to build safer and stronger communities for all Californians. With public safety being a concern statewide, especially retail theft, even liberal leaders in Democratic cities like Oakland are embracing increased policing efforts. Despite crime dropping in other cities, Oakland has seen a surge in criminal activity, prompting major employers in the area to invest in a $10 million security program to improve public safety for their employees.
Critics like Cat Brooks, executive director of the Anti Police-Terror Project, argue that the money spent on surveillance technology should be invested in critical resources needed to build whole, happy, and safe communities. Concerns have also been raised over the cost of the surveillance cameras, with neither the governor’s office nor the California Highway Patrol disclosing how much the contract will cost. Approximately 300 cameras will be deployed on city streets, with the rest being placed on state highways.
To address privacy concerns, footage from the cameras will be retained for 28 days and will not be shared with third parties beyond California law enforcement. Earlier this month, voters in San Francisco approved a ballot measure granting police access to drones and surveillance cameras, indicating a growing trend towards increased surveillance as a means of combating crime. As crime rates continue to rise in cities like Oakland, leaders are looking to technology as a way to enhance public safety and hold perpetrators of criminal activity accountable.
