STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: August 23, 2022
To: Honorable Mayor & City Council
From: Mark G. Stainbrook
Subject: Request by Mayor Lili Bosse for an Overview of the Beverly Hills Police Department's Technology (CCTV Cameras, Drones,
ALPRs, Body Worn Cameras) and Privacy Policies
Attachments: None
INTRODUCTION
The Beverly Hills Police Department is dedicated to providing the highest level of safety, security and service to those who live, work, visit or travel within its boundaries. To support this mission, the Department has implemented the use of various technology tools and maintains strict privacy guidelines in the usage of those tools. Some of these tools include CCTV cameras, drones (unmanned aerial aircraft) and automated license plate readers (ALPR).
The Department is committed to providing public access to records in a manner that is consistent with the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250 et seq.) and is governed by all applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, City and Department Policy.
DISCUSSION
The Department uses CCTV cameras, drones and ALPRs in public spaces in order to enhance public safety and quality of life. These technologies are monitored 24/7 in the Department’s Real Time Watch Center (RTWC), which employ an integrated approach to managing our technology systems.
Goals of the RTWC include:
• Deter criminal activity
• Respond to public safety needs
• Investigate criminal activity
• Identify and apprehend criminals
• Aid in the successful prosecution of those responsible for criminal acts • Recognize and respond to needs of the residents, businesses and visitors • Provide faster virtual response times to emergency calls • Respond during an emergency or disaster
Meeting Date: August 23, 2022
The RTWC is managed 24/7 by Beverly Hills Police Watch Commanders, who are sworn Lieutenants or Sergeants. They supervise the CCTV camera operators and drone operators. The on-duty Watch Commander sits directly behind the camera operators and adjacent the drone operator.
All operators undergo rigorous training and/or certification in their areas of expertise.
This includes:
• All Department drone operators are sworn Beverly Hills Police officers who are trained to federal standards and are certified by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The drone operators are an extension to the police officers in the field, as they provide critical information in the field to officers responding to emergency calls.
• Currently, Department CCTV operators are employees of the two security companies contracted by the City, Covered 6 and NASTEC. The CCTV operators undergo a background check in compliance with the federal Criminal Justice Information Sharing (CJIS) system and receive 40 hours of training uniquely designed for their position.
Privacy Overview
The Department strives to balance safety and security with the public’s right to privacy.
As per City policy, CCTV cameras are angled towards public areas and are not used for the viewing of activities where there is an expectation of privacy.
Any use of drones is in strict accordance with FAA flight regulations and with constitutional and privacy rights. Per the City Municipal Code (5-6-604), the Police and Fire Departments are permitted to use drones within the City. There are limitations to public drone usage in the City. Public safety drones are flown over public streets and do not zoom into private areas, unless responding to specific calls for service.
The use of CCTV camera technology by the City of Beverly Hills is regulated by City Administrative Regulation No. 4C.21 and BHPD Policy 339.
Separate Department policies cover:
• Unmanned Aerial System Operations (drones) - BHPD Policy 606 • ALPRs - BHPD Policy 429
• Portable Audio/Video Recorders (body worn cameras) - BHPD Policy 424 • Records Management and Release - BHPD Policy 805. Provides guidance on the release of department records to the public.
The Department’s policies are available on the City’s website and Department page:
https://www.beverlyhills.org/departmentpolicies/
Access to Records
The Department is committed to providing public access to records in a manner that is consistent with the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250 et seq.).
The Records Manager is the Custodian of Records for the Police Department and works closely with the City Attorney and the City Clerk in order to process public records requests.
Meeting Date: August 23, 2022
Government Code Section 6254(f) dictates certain information is subject to public records. This information includes certain crime information, arrest information and callfor-service information. While not required, the City proactively provides this information to the community on our interactive GIS map:
https://www.beverlyhills.org/interactivemapsgis/
Any member of the public can submit a written request for records and pay the fees associated with producing the records to process that request, such as xeroxing or other document related costs. These are accepted online, in-person or in writing. If a records request is denied, the requestor receives a written explanation of why the record cannot be disclosed.
Exemptions to disclosure include, but are not limited to:
• Information about the identity of minors
• Medical records and personnel records
• Video/audio recordings of a crime or investigation
• Information in applications for licenses to carry firearms • Traffic collision reports and crime reports (except for the parties involved) • Records relating to the Department’s electronic technology systems • Information connected with juvenile court proceedings • Criminal history information
• Records of an investigation
• Records regarding child abuse, elder abuse and mental illness
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
RECOMMENDATION
Members of the Beverly Hills Police Department adhere to all applicable laws, orders, regulations and training related to the use of technology in policing efforts. The Department upholds all privacy regulations in the maintenance and release of records.
The Department presents this item for Council’s review and input.
Mark G. Stainbrook
Chief of Police
Approved By