Video Surveillance Should Not Have Been Expanded

The San Francisco Police Commission may not approve surveillance cameras unless it finds that the potential for deterrence outweighs community concerns. The San Francisco Police Commission approved 25 new surveillance cameras around the city despite the fact that there was no evidence for the potential for deterrence and dozens of people came to the Police Commission meeting to voice their opposition.

Police Commissioners questioned city representatives extensively about the lack of evidence presented about deterrence, the potential impact on civil liberties, and the disparate impact of people of color and the immigrant population. However, the Police Commission approved all 25 cameras but required some additional safeguards to be considered. The Police Commission wants a comprehensive evaluation of the camera's potential for deterrence and impact on the community within 6 months, a plan to turn off the cameras during political demonstrations, and a clarification that photos recorded will be destroyed after 14 days.

Read more about it here:

Crowd comments on surveillance cameras