Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has revealed a significant step towards enhancing public safety in Oakland and the East Bay with the announcement of a contract between the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Flock Safety. The agreement will see the installation of a network of 480 high-tech cameras in the City of Oakland and on state freeways in the East Bay to combat criminal activity and freeway violence. The cameras, equipped with patented technology, will provide law enforcement agencies with the capability to identify vehicle attributes beyond license plate numbers, aiding in the identification of vehicles suspected to be linked to crimes and receiving real-time alerts about their movement.

Governor Newsom expressed the importance of this investment, stating, “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.” Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of the new camera network in combating crime and holding suspects accountable. CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee highlighted the commitment of law enforcement to ensuring the safety and security of all Californians, noting that the sophisticated cameras will contribute to making the entire East Bay region safer.

The partnership between the CHP and Flock Safety will result in the deployment of approximately 480 crime-fighting cameras, with 290 cameras set to be placed on and around surface streets in Oakland and 190 cameras along state highways in the East Bay. These cameras will enable improved vehicle recognition, allowing law enforcement to search for crime-linked vehicles based on various attributes. The system will also provide real-time crime alerts, notifying authorities when a suspected crime-linked vehicle is detected.

The installation of the camera network aims to address crime while safeguarding privacy interests, with measures in place to ensure compliance with California laws regarding data storage, collection, and sharing. The network will adhere to a limited 28-day retention period, restrict the disclosure of camera footage to third parties, and uphold privacy protections outlined by the California Department of Justice.

Governor Newsom’s announcement builds on previous efforts to enhance public safety in the East Bay, including a temporary CHP surge operation and increased enforcement focused on combating various crimes. The Governor's commitment to investing in Oakland is further demonstrated through initiatives such as the Caltrans’ 10-Point Action Plan, aimed at improving street safety and beautification in the city.

California's ongoing investments in public safety, including the recent $1.1 billion allocation, reflect a dedicated effort to combat crime, support law enforcement, and improve safety across the state. Governor Newsom's initiatives underscore a proactive approach to addressing criminal activities, with a focus on enhancing public safety and protecting communities.