San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed and Police Chief Bill Scott announced a new Mobile Security Unit program yesterday that includes the deployment of camera trailers in locations around the city for round-the-clock security monitoring.
The units are being supplied by LiveView Technologies (LVT) as part of a pilot program with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD). The SFPD plans to incorporate the security units with other recently adopted technology like Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras, fixed security cameras, and drones to continue driving crime down in San Francisco.
While crime has been dropping significantly (32 percent) in 2024 in San Francisco, the SFPD is actively continuing to address ongoing challenges like drug dealing, burglaries, prostitution, and other crimes. These units will allow the SFPD to have a 24-hour presence in areas where they will have the maximum impact to assist in fighting and deterring crime.
The first three cameras arrived in San Francisco last week with more planned to arrive soon. The cameras will be initially deployed to support efforts that include the city’s Drug Market Agency Coordination Center (DMACC) operations, addressing prostitution and related problems in the Mission, and combatting and deterring crime in merchant corridors. Cameras will be deployed as determined by the SFPD for strategic needs.
“New technology has been a game-changer for public safety in this city,” said Mayor Breed. “As we continue to fill our academy classes with new recruits, this technology not only helps our existing officers be more efficient today, but it means as our ranks grow, we will see even more impact.”
“We are excited to add another tool in our department’s tool belt,” said Chief Scott. “Our officers are already eagerly embracing other technologies like ALPR and drones to make significant arrests. I can’t wait to see what they will do with assistance from these security units.”
“The new mobile cameras that SFPD will deploy at strategic locations around the city will provide a powerful new deterrent to crime and tool for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crime,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “These new cameras send one more message to those who would come to San Francisco to engage in crime—you will be identified, arrested, and prosecuted. Law enforcement agencies are working together and will not allow our city to go back to previous eras of disfunction that did not prioritize public safety.”
“We know that this technology serves as a crime deterrent,” saidSheriff Paul Miyamoto. “By integrating it with our existing surveillance tools, we are reinforcing our deputies and officers in the streets, and enhancing our presence. These mobile trailers will not only boost our operational efficiency, but provide 24-hour coverage to help solve crimes.”
“As we work to make our neighborhoods safer, it’s important that we leverage every resource available,” saidDistrict 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey. “With the police department facing significant staffing challenges, these new technologies will enhance our ability to prevent crime and ensure public safety. The new Mobile Security Unit Program is a step forward in modernizing our approach to law enforcement and bringing innovation to the tools and resources our officers rely on.”
Each mobile unit has a 22-foot mast with three cameras. They can be outfitted with thermal and panoramic lenses. The units also include a speaker that can play announcements, as well as floodlights and strobes. See a video demonstration of the unit here: https://www.lvt.com/resources/
Private retailers have seen great success using the technology in parking lots, work sites, and other strategic locations. Law enforcement agencies have increasingly begun using the technology as departments around the nation are working to rebuild their ranks following a national policing staffing crisis that began in 2020.
“LVT is proud to partner and support the city’s drug and crime reduction initiatives to help increase life safety and property protection here in San Francisco,” said Mark Cranney, LVT chief revenue officer. “I’m confident that the LiveView Technologies platform will assist SFPD and other city and county agencies to detect, deter, and defend in high crime areas and situations, such as open-air drug markets, and smash-and-grabs.”
In March, voters passed Proposition E, authored by Mayor Breed, that allows the expanded use of new technology to meet public safety needs. Since then, the city has added new technology tools that have expanded the ability of law enforcement to make arrests and prevent crime. This includes the installation of ALPR cameras at intersections across San Francisco and the deployment of new drones.
ALPRs and drones have led to significant arrests, according to city officials, including for auto break-ins, retail theft, carjacking, robbery, and sexual assault.
The city has also updated existing public safety cameras and is in the process of noticing for the installation of new fixed cameras that will soon be installed and deployed to augment this work.