Cameras coming to city limit entrances

Police Chief Chris Wenzel outlined plans to install cameras at the four major entrances to town at the Feb. 7 city council meeting.

An automated license plate reader (ALPR) and a situational awareness camera (SAC) are proposed for the light poles at Tara Dr. at Clayton Rd., Yolanda Circle at Oakhurst Dr., Marsh Creek Rd. at Diablo Parkway and Pine Hollow Rd. at Pine Shadow.

The ALPR captures an image of the rear license plate of vehicles entering the city limits, compares it to a database and alerts the police if the vehicle is stolen, has a warrant or involved in criminal activity. The ALPR identifies only the vehicle; it does not photograph the occupants.

A second camera, the situational awareness camera, records the activity at the city entrance. The SAC camera captures the vehicle and occupants and records all the activity at that location.

The two cameras give law enforcement an edge in preventing and solving crimes.

“These are not monitored surveillance cameras,” Wenzel assured the Council.” Nor will they be used to issue citations.”

Nearby cities including Pittsburg, Lafayette and Orinda are using the cameras and have seen a noticeable drop in criminal activity.

“The criminal element and their bad intentions naturally migrate to communities without them,” said Wenzel.

A few issues still need to be ironed out, said the chief. The city is working with PG&E for approval to use the power from adjacent street lights. Additionally, since the Pine Hollow location is in the city of Concord, Wenzel is hoping Concord will participate in the cost of that installation in exchange for access to the information.

Estimated cost for installation of the four cameras is $118K with recurring annual cost of about $12,800 for the software, licensing and maintenance.

“I’m excited,” said Council member Julie Pierce. “Technology can solve a lot of issues all the way around. I think it’s fabulous.”

The council was expected to approve the project at the March 7 meeting.