The San Diego Police Department is holding community meetings this week regarding the use of 500 so-called “smart streetlights,” which are equipped with video cameras and license plate readers.
The city purchased smart streetlights in 2016 with a loan from San Diego Gas and Electric, San Diego police Cpt. Jeff Jordon said at a March 6 community meeting at the Rancho Peñasquitos Public Library. Those streetlights were installed at locations throughout the city that were selected by the Environmental Resources Department.
A street light equipped with a camera and license plate reader in San Diego. (Courtesy of the City of San Diego)
But when they were installed, police were not informed that the smart streetlights had cameras, and audio technology for locating gunfire, Jordon said, which could be used to reduce crime and conduct investigations….