AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: February 8, 2022
Item Number:
To: Honorable Mayor & City Council
From: Mark G. Stainbrook, Chief of Police
Subject: REQUEST FROM VICE MAYOR BOSSE TO DISCUSS ADDITION OF
CCTV CAMERAS TO RESIDENTIAL ALLEYS
Attachments: None
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council review and provide any additional direction.
INTRODUCTION
This item provides an update to the City’s current CCTV program and details near-term plans for camera locations, patrol deployment and technological opportunities which will provide added visual patrols.
DISCUSSION
The City's expansive CCTV network continues to be an integral part of public safety in the City of Beverly Hills. This robust system is invaluable when managing a rapidly evolving incident, crime in progress or other emergency. The system acts as both a deterrent to crime and an investigative tool when crimes are captured on CCTV.
The Police Department, in partnership with Information Technology and Public Works, is reviewing the current CCTV system and determining how best to utilize the cameras in ways to keep our community safe. This review includes looking at current CCTV camera locations and types, as well as determining future camera needs based on the prioritized deployment plan (outlined to Council during the August 4, 2020 meeting). Briefly, the prioritized deployment plan includes critical infrastructure, statistically high crime locations, areas sensitive to public access and public safety (e.g. schools, parks, parking structures), and residential areas.
F-1
The Police Department is also currently reviewing technological opportunities, which will enhance police efforts. Areas of review include:
1. Capability options for the live monitoring of CCTV cameras
2. Potential to integrate private security cameras into City’s CCTV camera network
3. Use of drones to provide extra ariel coverage in business triangle alleys To deter crime in residential alleys and citywide, the Police Department plans on taking the following actions immediately:
1. Move mobile trailer cameras to areas of concern
2. Review all crime data in an around alleys to determine crime hotspots
3. Direct extra armed private security patrols to the alleys
4. Direct extra PD patrols to crime hotspot areas, to include alleys
5. Review current camera locations which can monitor entrances and exits to residential and business alleys
6. Work with Information Technology, Public Works and Southern California Edison to put up temporary cameras in crime hotspots, to include alleys
7. Work with Community Services to request additional resources to support unhoused individuals who frequent alleys
The Police Department emphasizes that the best use of resources continues to be monitoring main throughfares, sidewalks and public gathering locations. The Police Department will continue all efforts to uphold the safety and security of the Beverly Hills community.
FISCAL IMPACT
Currently, staff is working within exiting budgets and per council direction, may increase future budgetary requests.
Mark G. Stainbrook
Approved By