Residents fearful that cameras will equal loss of privacy
DOWNTOWN — The next time you walk down the promenade or stroll along the pier someone just might be watching you.
The Santa Monica Police Department is just about finished installing 123 security cameras as a protection against acts of terrorism.
An exact date for the completion of the installation was not given by the SMPD, which did not want to provide the public with a date and then not be able to follow through in the event of an unexpected development.
“Everything is right on schedule,” said Eric Uller, lead public safety systems analyst for the SMPD.
The SMPD also refused to release the locations of the cameras, but Uller said they will be visible to the public and signs will be posted alerting people to their presence.
According to a city staff report, the cameras are being installed on, under and around the pier, along Third Street and in alleys east and west of the promenade.
Installation and operation of the cameras will cost the city $1.3 million, Uller said.
The need for enhanced security became apparent across the nation following the terrorist attacks of 9/11. However, concerns were heightened locally when police received a report in July of last year that three suspicious men of Middle Eastern descent were seen videotaping the pier, including police access roads and the department’s substation.
In response to that incident, the SMPD added four overtime police officers and reconfigured the observation posts at the pier. Bomb-sniffing dogs were also brought in and protective buoys placed around the pier to restrict boat access. Random vehicle checkpoints were established along with traffic flow restrictions.
There is some concern by residents that the cameras, while a possible deterrent against crime, could infringe on people’s right to privacy and would turn Santa Monica into a police state, where everyone’s actions are recorded by “Big Brother.”
In deciding to move forward with the cameras, City Council members said they had to weigh the public’s concerns about privacy against the need to protect their well-being.
Councilman Kevin McKeown was concerned that the footage collected by the SMPD could be used by federal agencies he doesn’t necessarily trust.
According to an information item on the issue, footage will be stored for only 90 days before being deleted. Those with access will be limited to employees approved by the chief of police. They will receive training on how to use the system and will need some type of code or key card to access the system.
Images stored can only be viewed with permission from the chief or the watch commander and only in response to public safety emergencies, and internal or criminal investigations.Video that is not used as evidence shall not be reproduced nor distributed or provided to any other people without the approval of the chief or pursuant to a court order.
The system will only be used for purposes directly related to public safety and investigations. Cameras will not be used to track individuals arbitrarily or based on race, gender, eth-nicity, sexual orientation, disability or other classifications protected by law.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 18, 2006. Read the original PDF.