SF Mayor Plans More Surveillance Cameras

Associated Press | October 25 2005

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Mayor Gavin Newsom is planning to install surveillance cameras at several crime-plagued intersections around the city.

Newsom said he is encouraged by the success of a pair of cameras that were installed three months ago outside a dangerous public housing development.

The cameras, which are installed atop utility poles and are protected by bulletproof casings, have deterred illegal activity and won the support of residents, Newsom said.

"I want to move cautiously, but move nonetheless," he said. "I want to focus where we're seeing hot spots of violent crimes."

Some San Francisco supervisors have pledged their support if the mayor guarantees the cameras will not be pointed inside people's homes and that the tape will be erased after a specific time period.

The American Civil Liberties Union claims the cameras "sacrifice precious privacy while providing very little in return in the way of added safety," said spokeswoman Nicole Ozer.

Newsom hopes to install six new cameras within 60 days.

Last modified October 25, 2005