OAKLAND, Calif. — Hundreds of high-tech surveillance cameras are being installed in the city of Oakland and surrounding freeways to battle crime, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday.
Newsom stated that the California Highway Patrol has contracted with Flock Safety to install 480 cameras that can identify and track vehicles by license plate, type, color, and even decals and bumper stickers. These cameras will provide authorities with real-time alerts of suspect vehicles.
Opponents express concerns about privacy infringement and the potential for further police abuse towards marginalized communities. However, Newsom defended the surveillance network as a vital tool for law enforcement to combat criminal activity and hold perpetrators accountable, emphasizing the goal of creating safer communities in California.
Public safety concerns persist statewide, with rising incidents of retail theft prompting leaders to bolster policing efforts. While crime rates have decreased in other major California cities, Oakland has seen a surge in criminal activities, leading to significant actions such as the closure of the only In-N-Out Burger in the city due to security issues.
To address these challenges, a collective $10 million security program was announced by the CEOs of Blue Shield of California, Clorox, Kaiser Permanente, and Pacific Gas & Electric, aimed at enhancing public safety and protecting employees in downtown Oakland.
In response to these developments, Cat Brooks, the executive director of the Anti Police-Terror Project, expressed concerns over the allocation of resources towards surveillance technology instead of investing in community-building initiatives to address key social needs.
The installation of the surveillance cameras, comprising nearly 300 units on city streets and the remainder on adjacent state highways, reflects a broader trend of embracing technological solutions to curb crime rates. To mitigate privacy concerns, footage retention will be limited to 28 days and shared exclusively with California law enforcement agencies.
Overall, these initiatives underscore the ongoing efforts to address safety challenges across California, balancing the need for enhanced security measures with privacy considerations and community engagement.
