San Francisco Area Park Installs Security Cameras to Cut Crime

San Francisco Area Park Installs Security Cameras to Cut Crime

The City of Berkley, Calif. is installing surveillance cameras in San Pablo Park to decrease crime.

San Pablo Park in Berkley, Calif. is the oldest park in the city and features a recreation center, ball fields, tennis and basketball courts as well as playgrounds and picnic areas. The area surrounding the park is filled with $1 million single-story villas bungalows. Sounds like a utopia, but even these seemingly perfect areas are not invincible to crime.

The City of Berkley has decided to install surveillance cameras throughout San Pablo Park, a move that is in direct response to a spate of shootings, drug dealing and other crime in recent years. 

The new 17 cameras went live in early March, Officer Byron White, a spokesperson for the Berkley Police Department told the San Francisco Chronicle. The camera footage will be reviewed by the police and Berkley staff as needed to gather evidence in the event of a crime. Signage to mark that the cameras have been installed is currently in the works.

The cameras were part of a solution put together by police and parks officials after local residents packed into meetings at the park's rec center to urge officers to take action following recent shooting incidents. 

Berkley conducted an online survey in November about installing cameras in parks as a security measures. Of 240 respondents, 199 (or 82 percent) said they support the idea. While most residents who aded comments said they liked the idea, some wrote they were concerned about the "Big Brother" aspect of creating a surveillance network.

Residents believe the cameras will help to deter crime as well as help police in their search for suspects. Many hope that there are plans in the future to add cameras not only to the interior parts of the park, but along the perimeter as well.


About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Facing Facts for Facilities

    Despite the proliferation of constantly evolving security solutions, there remains a troubling trend among many facility operators who often neglect the most important security assets within their organization. Keys and shared devices like radios, laptops and tablets are crucial to successful operations, yet many operators are managing them haphazardly through outdated storage systems like pegboards and notebooks. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Security Training Reduces Global Phishing Click Rates by 86%

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, today launched its “Phishing by Industry Benchmarking Report 2025” which measures an organization’s Phish-prone Percentage (PPP) — the percentage of employees likely to fall for social engineering or phishing attacks, indicating the organization’s overall susceptibility to phishing threats. This year’s report found a global average baseline PPP of 33.1%, meaning a third of employees interact with phishing simulations before taking part in best-practice security awareness training (SAT).COVER 2025-PIB-NA-Report_EN-US Read Now

  • TSA Begins REAL ID Full Enforcement Today

    Today, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the imminent implementation of its REAL ID enforcement measures at TSA checkpoints nationwide. Read Now

  • Body-Worn Cameras on the Rise

    On the evening of Oct. 29, 2024, the owner of 300 Guard based in Houston, was shot while on duty at a convenience store. He returned fire. He was wearing a plated vest and thankfully recovered in the hospital. Read Now

  • Brazil Port Enhances Surveillance and Supports Wildlife Conservation with Sustainable Technology

    Ferroport, which operates the iron ore terminal at the Port of Açu in São João da Barra, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has deployed state-of-the-art video surveillance cameras from Axis Communications to enhance nighttime security and visibility, while decreasing environmental impact and prioritizing sustainability. With cutting-edge technology, the port now has precise surveillance cameras that capture high-quality nighttime images, while reducing the amount of artificial lighting that negatively impacts the surrounding ecosystem. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.