The Sacramento Police Department hopes to upgrade the department’s surveillance technology. The department currently uses about 300 wired surveillance cameras, but it intends to add more cameras to cut back on crime. The department is now testing tiny wireless cameras at Cesar Chavez Plaza. If fully implemented, the plan could cost Sacramento up to $2 million.
For almost two years, police have been researching a way to make the city’s camera’s wireless. Their hope is to connect them to a single massive wireless network. The cameras would be strategically placed throughout Sacramento to look over such areas as the K Street Mall as well as problem spots in a number of neighborhoods.
Capt. Darrell Fond traveled to Chicago to study that city’s camera system. He said Chicago provided statistical data that decidedly shows cameras have helped Chicago police apprehend additional criminals. Capt. Michael McCarthy said going wireless would allow officials to place cameras virtually anywhere in the city without the restrictions associated with metallic wire.
KCRA 3 spoke to many people who say they would feel safer with the new cameras. However, critics say they are an invasion of privacy. The police department is currently working out details of the plan, which could go to city council in the fall
