ACLU says police not 'forthcoming,' asks for more on surveillance cameras
California Desk
June 22, 2009
ACLU requests more information on city police surveillance camera program, says similar programs don't work, waste tax dollars.
SACRAMENTO – The Sacramento County chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said it has filed a California Public Records Act request for information about a controversial grant for the purchase of 32 surveillance cameras and four mobile surveillance trailers by the Sacramento City Police Department.
The decision to file the request was made because city and law enforcement officials have been "less than forthcoming about details of the plan, and the people have the right to know," said James Updegraff, chair of the ACLU/Sacramento board of directors.
Mayor Kevin Johnson announced, and Police Chief Rick Braziel confirmed in April that a $615,000 grant was being used to purchase the cameras.
However, the ACLU said it has been unable to obtain any more information about the plan and how it would impact the public's privacy.
"In fact, as many studies have shown, video surveillance cameras do not make people safer. Cameras do not prevent or reduce violent crime, including homicides, or drug crimes and prostitution," said Updegraff.
He cited a report released earlier this year by independent researchers at the University of California which concluded a video surveillance program in San Francisco had failed in its mission to reduced violent crime in the city.
"Precious public safety dollars need to be spent on solutions that actually work to reduce violent crime, like community policy, intervention programs and improved lighting, not on more ineffective and intrusive cameras," said Nicole Ozer, Technology and Civil Liberties policy Director at the ACLU of Northern California.
SACRAMENTO – The Sacramento County chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said it has filed a California Public Records Act request for information about a controversial grant for the purchase of 32 surveillance cameras and four mobile surveillance trailers by the Sacramento City Police Department.
The decision to file the request was made because city and law enforcement officials have been "less than forthcoming about details of the plan, and the people have the right to know," said James Updegraff, chair of the ACLU/Sacramento board of directors.
Mayor Kevin Johnson announced, and Police Chief Rick Braziel confirmed in April that a $615,000 grant was being used to purchase the cameras.
However, the ACLU said it has been unable to obtain any more information about the plan and how it would impact the public's privacy.
"In fact, as many studies have shown, video surveillance cameras do not make people safer. Cameras do not prevent or reduce violent crime, including homicides, or drug crimes and prostitution," said Updegraff.
He cited a report released earlier this year by independent researchers at the University of California which concluded a video surveillance program in San Francisco had failed in its mission to reduced violent crime in the city.
"Precious public safety dollars need to be spent on solutions that actually work to reduce violent crime, like community policy, intervention programs and improved lighting, not on more ineffective and intrusive cameras," said Nicole Ozer, Technology and Civil Liberties policy Director at the ACLU of Northern California.
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