Colton, Calif., to Use Surveillance Cameras

June 22, 2005
City to focus surveillance on city parks, to cut crimes, dumping

COLTON, Calif. -- The city is installing surveillance cameras in two parks in an effort to curb graffiti, illegal dumping and destruction of playground equipment.

Councilman John Mitchell will spend about $100,000 from his discretionary funds for the video cameras at Rich Dauer and Cooley Ranch parks, both in his district. The cameras have been installed and should be working in July, Mitchell said.

The city spends more than $100,000 a year cleaning up graffiti, picking up illegally dumped furniture and other trash, and repairing vandalized playground equipment.

"If we can start eliminating that cost because we're catching you and fining you for dumping and doing graffiti, it will make the city look nicer and the residents will be safer," Mitchell said.

Camera images are transmitted via computer to the Police Department, which will be able to monitor activity at the parks and respond to suspicious behavior.

"It's not a Big Brother-type thing," Mitchell said. "It's all in public areas. We're not zooming into anybody's bedroom or anything like that. If you're not doing anything wrong, you don't have anything to worry about. If you don't want to get caught, don't do it."