Gavin Newsom Bold Plan To Make Oakland Safer With Surveillance
Gavin Newsom revealed that the state will be installing nearly 500 license plate reading cameras throughout the streets of Oakland and surrounding freeways. The high-tech cameras, provided by Atlanta-based company Flock Safety, will work to identify and track vehicles in real-time. This will allow law enforcement to receive alerts about vehicles suspected of criminal activity.
The $1.6 million dollar first-year contract signed by Gavin Newsom and the California Highway Patrol aims to give police new tools to “effectively combat criminal activity and hold perpetrators accountable.”
Oakland has struggled with rising crime rates. Forcing some businesses like In-N-Out Burger to close locations due to issues like car break-ins and robberies. Supporters argue the network of cameras can help reverse these unsafe trends.
Privacy Vs Public Safety
However, the plan has faced criticism from those concerned about privacy implications. Opponents argue the technology will infringe on civil liberties and could enable further police overreach targeting marginalized groups. Cat Brooks, director of the Anti Police-Terror Project, questioned whether the funds would be better spent on social programs to build “whole, happy, safe communities.”
Around 300 cameras will monitor city streets, with the remainder along highways near Oakland. Footage will be automatically deleted after 28 days and not shared with outside parties per Gavin Newsom’s office. Only law enforcement can access the data to investigate crimes. The governor believes this balanced approach from his office can help Oakland while respecting privacy. If successful, it may serve as a model for other high-crime areas across California.
