California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday the installation of 480 "high-tech" surveillance cameras in Oakland and other East Bay communities as part of the state's effort to help combat crime in the region.
"(This) will aid and support the efforts of law enforcement to focus on stolen vehicles. This is proven technology," said Newsom in a video posted to X, formerly Twitter.
Newsom said the CHP is contracting with a private security company, Flock Safety, to place 290 cameras on Oakland streets and 190 on some unspecified East Bay freeways.
"This investment marks another step forward in our commitment to bolstering public safety and tackling organized crime and roadway violence in Oakland and across California," said Newsom.
The new cameras will allow investigators to identify vehicles by searching for "crime-linked vehicles by vehicle type, make, color, license plate state, missing/covered plates, and other unique features (e.g., bumper stickers, decals, and roof racks)," according to the governor's office.
The camera system also features real-time alerts that will tell law enforcement agencies when it has identified a suspected or wanted vehicle.
"More and more cities are seeing that crime is one of those problems that is incredibly hard to solve. And what they are missing is evidence," says Josh Thomas, senior vice president of Policy and Communications at Flock Safety.
Thomas says, on average, each camera costs about $3,500 to operate annually. He adds that they will likely be installed by this summer.
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao said she welcomes the new cameras.
"This new camera network will help us stop crime and hold more suspects accountable," Thao said. "On behalf of all Oaklanders, I want to thank the governor and the California Highway Patrol for their ongoing commitment and investments in the city."
"The nice part about it is, in the City of Hercules, you come into the city, and as you go out, your license plate is being read," said Mayor Dan Romero.
@EcstaticLeftistLibertarian2mos2MO
If you really want to help Californians, you’ll force politicians to wear body cameras. Then we’ll see all of the dirty dealings, extortions, kickbacks, and thievery.
@LuminousCapitalistSocialist2mos2MO
Yes. This. I’ve been saying it for awhile. Everything live streamed online.
Having information about crimes doesn’t help if no one is making arrests. A guy charged with a violent felony walked out of court with an ankle monitor in Oakland in January and wasn’t rearrested. But this expensive program will allow you to track all of us law-abiding citizens!
What are the camera's really for? Gavin is against the incarceration of people who commit these crimes?
@PupJohnLibertarian2mos2MO
Totally valid point.. Revenue, hmm interesting, only for those who want to keep their social credit score high.
@ISIDEWITH2mos2MO
@ISIDEWITH2mos2MO
@ISIDEWITH2mos2MO
@ISIDEWITH2mos2MO
@ISIDEWITH2mos2MO
@RelievedDeerPatriot2mos2MO
Oh yeah, that will help. Oakland was part of the woke defund police bull **** , that worked out well. Cameras??? The criminals will look right into the camera and smile.
Ridiculous.
@BrainyYearlyGreen2mos2MO
Are these cameras going to disproportionately target marginalized communities, perpetuating systemic inequalities?
Problem > Reaction > Solution
We knew this was the plan. Ensure lawlessness so there’s justification for 24/7 surveillance of us everywhere and in every way.
@TigerTimTranshumanist2mos2MO
Hey guys let’s install a bunch of cameras so we can watch the baddies get away in hi def
@UnstoppableBustardUnity2mos2MO
It is unbelievable that a progressive city council and progressive district attorney can screw up public safety so badly that taxpayers from other parts of California are forces to fund security measures.
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