The San Diego City Council granted the police department final approval to use camera-equipped streetlights and automated license plate readers (ALPR) across the city.
Use of the technology in San Diego has been a hot-button issue for several years, setting the stage for arguments over public safety vs. privacy.
SDPD deployed smart streetlights in 2016 but they were turned off due to concerns over transparency and data sharing. Chief David Nisleit says there are now clear guidelines and that the cameras will only be used to prosecute or acquit suspected criminals for serious offenses.
