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City of San Bernardino
Study Session Meeting
Informational Report
Date: January 31, 2024
From: Charles A. Montoya, City Manager
Darren Goodman, Chief of Police
Department: Police Department
Subject: Downtown Active Camera Monitoring System (Wards 1, 3) Executive Summary
The City’s security camera system is outdated and inoperable. More than 95% of the cameras are not functional, and the manufacturer no longer makes parts for repair.
Technology has evolved since the City installed the original cameras, improving camera capabilities and networking. A well-planned camera system successfully integrated into the Police Department has the potential to serve as a force multiplier and essentially serve as a police officer at each camera location. The City recognizes the value of a thriving downtown to all citizens and has invested in its revitalization. Staff intend on moving forward with a request for proposal (RFP) to develop a security camera system downtown and present recommendations to the Mayor and City Council at a regularly scheduled meeting.
Background
In 2009, the City of San Bernardino installed its first crime camera at the intersection of Baseline Street and Waterman Avenue. The City installed a single pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera in what was determined to be a high crime area at the time. Over the next five to six years, the Police Department used several funding sources to expand the program. Funding sources included the San Manual Band of Mission Indians, the Urban Area Security Initiative Grant, Community Development Block Grant Programs, and the Police Department’s general budget. The program was not developed based on a consistent plan, rather, the cameras were installed in locations identified based on crime trends, grant requirements, and managerial prerogative.
The lack of a systematic design layout and inconsistent funding led to a scattered approach, resulting in connectivity issues and an ineffective camera system. Over time, the system has fallen into disrepair due to obsolete technology and connectivity problems. Additionally, the hardware used to build the system needs to be updated and can no longer be repaired. The current state of camera technology and software 1 8
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indicates that the City would benefit by developing and implementing the San Bernardino SMART Camera System with a focus downtown.
Staff Analysis
City surveillance cameras serve several purposes. Their presence should act as a crime deterrent to would-be offenders for fear that a criminal act will be captured on camera, resulting in a police response. They also provide active and investigative monitoring capabilities. During active monitoring, the cameras are observed by trained technicians or data analytics. Trained staff monitors cameras, often from established real-time information centers (RTIC). An RTIC centralizes a wide range of technologies to coordinate sworn and non-sworn responders to address criminal enforcement needs and emergency response. Data analytics monitor the cameras for criminal activity using preprogrammed parameters, providing alerts, and capturing valuable information for criminal investigations. Investigative monitoring occurs when there is no active resource monitoring the cameras, but instead, video data is gathered to be used later in investigations after crimes have been reported.
An examination of successfully implemented public surveillance systems indicated surveillance cameras are cost-effective and reduce crime in a city. Success is based on several factors. The type of camera installed dictates the data quality the camera can produce. The location is relevant to the camera’s connectivity; the impact to the focus area; and the long-term usefulness of the camera. Finally, and most critically, the camera’s integration within the Police Department acts as a force-multiplier, supporting the cameras’ effectiveness as an actual crime deterrent.
Camera Types
The current camera system consists of PTZ cameras. These cameras can move and zoom in to track activity and details; however, they have a narrow range of focus. Without a trained monitor, the cameras are focused in one area or programmed to pan from side to side, significantly limiting the ability to identify and track criminal activity. Even with a full-time monitor, the camera may allow criminal activity to occur within the camera's range but outside the camera's focus. When used in conjunction with a 360-degree camera, a PTZ is highly effective. A 360-degree camera captures data in all directions; however, cannot zoom and focus on specific targets. Coupling PTZ cameras with 360- degree cameras provides a comprehensive system with the most effective field of view and tools to capture and transmit relevant data to first responders.
The visibility of cameras can also make a difference in the effectiveness of a crime camera system. Obvious crime cameras have the positive effect of deterring crime by increasing the likelihood of detecting criminal activity and creating a greater risk of arrest for those committing criminal acts. This can be accomplished by hanging the cameras in visible areas, and additional attention can be drawn through flashing lights and signage indicating cameras are in use.
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The critical attribute of a camera system is capturing data necessary to prevent, respond to, and investigate criminal activity. In addition to surveillance cameras, technology has evolved to track license plates and integrate private security cameras into the RTIC network. Partnering with the community to add private security cameras will exponentially increase the range of the City's SMART Camera System, saving valuable costs while increasing community partnerships.
Camera Locations
Camera locations are critical for several factors. The actual location of the camera is relevant to the camera's ability to capture data. The camera will be unreliable if placed in a location with a limited field of view or poor connectivity range. The camera's location in the City is relevant to the camera's long-term effectiveness. If the camera is used to respond to short-term crime trends, it could potentially be ineffective later. Finally, the cameras should be placed in a pattern of overlapping support. For example, suppose a subject committed a robbery in view of a camera and drives south. In that case, another system should be installed to capture additional details such as license plates or directions of travel. Saturating a focused area with cameras provides more crime prevention and investigation data.
The City's downtown is critical to a thriving community and should exemplify the City's heritage and spirit. It should be attractive to visitors and be a welcoming location for all community members. The revitalization of downtown is critical to the continued growth and development of the City and benefits all community members. Additionally, the value of installing cameras downtown is not temporary and will serve a long-term purpose.
Consequently, staff recommends the SB SMART Camera System initiative originate in downtown San Bernardino. Successful implementation will garner community support and partnerships leading to an evidence-based expansion of the program into other regions of San Bernardino.
Department Integration
In recent years, many law enforcement and government entities have built crime camera systems, serving as the building blocks for RTICs. Real-time information centers serve as a valuable resource for day-to-day law enforcement activities. They also support governments during major incidents. Additionally, video analytics has applications to many city departments, including traffic engineering and public works. Staff have identified software that allows the community to partner with the City by networking security cameras of private owners into the RTIC. Using privately owned cameras in the focus area could reduce the number of City funded cameras required for purchase.
One of the most critical factors in developing the SB SMART Camera System is Department integration. Data analytics and software dedicated to unifying data resources will amplify the SMART Camera System’s capabilities through community partnerships. 1 8
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A staffed RTIC has the potential to make each camera as effective as a police officer without the added cost of sworn staff. A dedicated, trained staff member will monitor the cameras 24 hrs. a day, and immediately report criminal activity for a priority sworn response. Overlapping camera coverage will increase the likelihood of a suspect being located and prosecuted. As offenders recognize the risk of committing crimes near cameras, future expansion amplifies the deterrent effect throughout the City.
Next Steps + Timeline
The Department will release one or more RFP's to identify the appropriate technology, staffing, and associated costs to support the SMART Camera System. The RFP process typically takes 60 days but may be extended to perform assessments of proposals to identify the best option for the City. After the RFP process, staff will return with a report that presents a strategic camera plan for downtown that integrates into the Department and provides options and associated costs.
Future Fiscal Impact
The future fiscal impact will be presented at a later date after the RFP process. 2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
The request to identify options to develop the SB SMART Camera System aligns with Key Target No. 3c: Improved Quality of Life, constantly evaluate public safety service delivery models to enhance the quality of service.