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

  • It's Show Time

    I am one of those people that likes to see things get bigger and better. As advertised, ISC West is going to be bigger (more exhibitors) and better (more attendees). It’s show time in Las Vegas. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • SIA Releases New Report on Operational Security Technology

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has released an impactful new resource – Operational Security Technology: Principles, Challenges and Achieving Mission-Critical Outcomes Leveraging OST. Read Now

  • Cyber Overconfidence Is Leaving Your Organization Vulnerable

    The increased sophistication of cyber threats pumped by the relentless use of AI and machine learning brings forth record-breaking statistics. Cyberattacks grew 44% YoY in 2024, with a weekly average of 1,673 cyberattacks per organization. While organizations up their security game to help thwart these attacks, a critical question remains: Can employees identify a threat when they come across one? A Confidence Gap survey reveals that 86% of employees feel confident in their ability to identify phishing attempts. But things are not as rosy as they appear; the more significant part of the report finds this confidence misplaced. Read Now

  • Mission 500 Debuts Refreshed Identity Ahead of Security 5K/2K at ISC West

    Mission 500, the security industry’s nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting children in need across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity ahead of ISC West. The charity’s new look includes a modernized logo with refined messaging to reinforce Mission 500’s nearly decade-long commitment to serving the needs of children and families in crisis. Read Now

    • Industry Events

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • 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.