Oakland’s growing network of surveillance cameras could expand even more.
The Oaklandside reports that a new proposal by the Oakland Police Department would integrate privately-owned surveillance cameras into the existing network of 300 traffic cameras.
Some local business owners support the proposal. They see it as a way to reduce property crime. Business owners and residents can already register their surveillance camera footage with the OPD.
Critics of expanding Oakland’s network of license plate reading surveillance cameras have questioned whether federal law enforcement agencies – like Immigration and Customs Enforcement – could gain access to stored data.
However, that’s currently barred by state law.
The proposal must be approved by the city’s privacy commission and the City Council.
