HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-16; Update on the Public Safety Camera System (Districts-All); Calderwood, ChristieCouncil Memorandum
July 16, 2026
To:
From:
Via:
Re:
Honorable Mayor Blackburn and Members of the City Council
Christie Calderwood, Chief of ~
Geoff Patnoe, City Manager &,(II
Update on the Public Safety C ra System (Districts-All)
{city of
Carlsbad
Memo ID# 2026036
This memorandum provides the City Council with an update on the Public Safety Camera System
that is part of a broader project called the Facility Security Master Plan and a pilot project in the
Village with cameras currently deployed in the Village area.
Discussion
As part of the 2025-26 Budget, and the recently adopted 2026-27 SDTIP Budget, City Council
approved the expansion of the current Public Safety Camera System. The city previously
leveraged an outside consultant to develop a Facility Security Master Plan. This document
provided:
• A prioritized, risk-based implementation roadmap for security mitigation.
• Policy updates to ensure future implementations are consistent, sustainable, and
enterprise aligned.
• A long-t erm budget strategy for maintain ing and improving security infrastructure.
• An oversight committee to guide enterprise-level security decisions.
The Public Safety Camera System project under the Facility Security Master Plan, is in the
preliminary stage and represents a key execution phase of that plan, focusing on the
modernization and standardization of the City of Carlsbad's video camera monitoring
infrastructure (also known as CCTV). Specifically, the goal of this project is to execute a multi
phased installation of cameras in recommended locations in the city and the
upgrade/modernization of the video management platform and storage environment. This
system will become a key resource for the implementation of a Real Time Crime Center for the
Police Department, which has been one of City Council's goals in the current City Council
5-year Strategic Plan.
In the initial phase of project execution, staff adopted a platform for camera expansion. The
graphic below showcases that plan:
Police Department
Administration
2560 Orion Way I Carlsbad, CA 92010 I 442-339-2100 t
Council Memo -Update on Public Safety Camera System (Districts -All)
July 161 2026
Page 2
CCTV Vendor Selection and Long-Term Strategic Plan
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i Recommended Strategy: Maintain Ocularis for legacy cameras during transition, deploy Verkada as the long-term
platform for new_ and replacem~nt cameras, and ensure all recorded video is retained for one year using one of the
approved recording and retention methods above.
Council Memo -Update on Public Safety Camera System (Districts -All)
July 16, 2026
Page 3
The adoption of the Verkada camera platform transitions the deployment model to a more
standardized, commodity-based approach, where each camera functions as an independent
platform. This model reduces both long-term costs and operational complexity for the city. Each
camera has a defined service life and includes onboard storage and processing capabilities, like
the mobile devices the city issues to employees. As a result, each device is managed under its
own agreement term.
The cameras referenced in this memorandum were initially deployed as part of a pilot project
within the Village after the Police Department saw an increase in violent crime in the area:
• On March 1, 2026, there was a stabbing in the 300 block of Grand Avenue during
bar closing time with a male victim sustaining stab wounds to his torso. On
June 9, 2026, after an extensive investigation by the Police Department's Crimes
of Violence Unit, the suspect was taken into custody and booked on charges of
assault with a deadly weapon, mayhem, and participating in a violent street gang.
• On March 17, 2026, during a busy St. Patrick's Day holiday, at about 11 p.m., there
was a traffic collision followed by a shooting in the 4400 block of
Carlsbad Boulevard. The suspect was arrested for driving under the influence
causing injury, being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and carrying a
loaded firearm in public.
• On May 9, 2026, at about 1 a.m., there was a shooting in the alley west of the
400 Block of State Street. The suspect was located hiding nearby after a search of
the area and later booked into jail for felon in possession of a firearm, possession
of a stolen firearm and negligent discharge of a firearm. Thankfully, no one was hit
or injured by gunfire.
The cameras have been installed in a manner that allows them to be easily relocated or
re purposed if they are no longer needed or desired at their current locations. This flexibility
enables the city to strategically position cameras based on evolving crime trends and public
safety needs, maximizing the effectiveness of the deployment over time.
The project budget in the current fiscal year is approximately $780,000 and around $71,000 has
been spent to date. Staff will continue these deployments at other city facilities and spaces to
support building security and Police Department use cases as noted in this memorandum.
The use of the Public Safety Camera System is governed by Police Department Policy 378 &
Government Code 34090.6, which states who can view the Public Safety Camera System, the
storage guidelines, the review or release of images, as well as auditing and training.
The Public Safety Camera System provides substantial evidentiary value in criminal cases that
proceed to court. Other benefits include:
Council Memo -Update on Public Safety Camera System (Districts -All)
July 16, 2026
Page 4
• Deterring crime: Visible cameras may discourage some people from committing crimes,
especially offenses like vandalism, theft, or trespassing.
• Helping investigations: Video footage can provide evidence that helps identify suspects,
reconstruct events, or confirm what happened after an incident.
• Improving emergency response: Cameras can allow Emergency Dispatchers or public
safety personnel to assess the situation more quickly and send the appropriate resources.
• Enhancing traffic safety: Cameras can help monitor traffic flow, detect crashes, identify
road hazards, and support quicker responses to accidents.
• Finding missing or vulnerable people: In some cases, camera footage helps locate
missing children, older adults with dementia, or others who may be at risk.
• Monitoring public spaces: Cameras can help officials identify issues such as
overcrowding, hazardous conditions, or infrastructure problems that need attention.
Success Stories
Since the Verkada Public Safety Camera System was launched as a pilot program in the Village on
June 25, 2026, the Police Department has achieved multiple successes in crime investigations
and event monitoring. The following are examples are from week 1 of the new Public Safety
Cameras deployed in the Village area:
Example 1-World Cup Games at Park 101
On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, during a Mexico National Team World Cup game, multiple
incidents occurred at a watch-party at a bar/restaurant in the city. The large, unruly crowd
resulted in multiple altercations with security that included a video featured prominently on
social media and the arrest of a Security Guard for felony assault and felony use of a taser.
Countywide, law enforcement agencies were dealing with incidents of fights, attempted vehicle
tipping, and large crowds overtaking streets. In preparation of the Mexico World Cup games on
June 30, 2026, and then again on July 5, 2026, the Public Safety Camera System was instrumental
in providing real-time situational awareness. Officers had to manage hundreds of patrons both
inside and outside the establishment. The information provided by the cameras assisted the
Officers in proactively handling issues in and around the restaurant, with the coordination of the
restaurant management, Code Enforcement and the Fire Department's Assistant Fire Marshall
before they got out of hand.
Council Memo -Update on Public Safety Camera System (Districts -All)
July 16, 2026
Page 5
Example 2 -E-Bike Theft
On June 27, 2026, at 3:02 am, an e-bike was stolen from the area of 300 Carlsbad Village Dr.
Cameras installed the day before in the intersection of Carlsbad Village Drive and Carlsbad
Boulevard observed the suspect riding the e-blke away and provided valuable information to the
responding units and investigators. Thee-bike was ultimately recovered nearby, and the
investigation is ongoing with a suspect description.
Council Memo -Update on Public Safety Camera System (Districts -All)
July 16, 2026
Page 6
Example 3 -Foot Pursuit & Arrest
On July 2, 2026, at 5:38 a.m., a Carlsbad Police Officer attempt ed to contact a subject in the
downtown area after he was seen illegally camping in the area. The suspect fled on foot and
attempted to conceal himself in the parking lot of the Carlsbad Village Coaster Station. The
recently installed ca mera located nearby observed the suspect's actions and attempts to evade
capture. The Officer ultimately detained the suspect and placed him under arrest for multiple
charges.
Example 4 -4th of July Firework Violations
During the busy 4th of July weekend, the Police Department utilized public safety cameras to
monitor daytime crowds, direct enforcement efforts on the beach and identify individuals
engaged in unlawful behavior during the evening hours such as the unlawful use of fireworks.
Council Memo -Update on Public Safety Camera System (Districts -All)
July 16, 2026
Page 7
Example 5 -Assault with a Deadly Weapon Arrest
On July 5, 2026, at 10:12 p.m., the Police Department received 911 calls reporting a subject who
was bleeding from the head and being treated by patrons at a nearby bar. The victim reported
that he was seated in the patio of a nearby restaurant when he was hit on the head with a chair
causing significant injury. The victim was able to provide a description of the suspect. Review of
the nearby Public Safety Camera System located a suspect leaving the location a few minutes
before the victim. The video matched the suspect's description given by the victim and witnesses
and assisted Officers in identifying and locating the suspect. The suspect was ultimately arrested
and booked for Assault with a Deadly Weapon and gave a full confession to his involvement in
the incident.
Next Steps
City Information Technology staff and the Police Department will continue to work with city
leadership to identify the next phases of the Public Safety Camera Program. As a Public Safety
Camera Program matures, it often evolves from a standalone surveillance network into part of a
broader public safety technology ecosystem. This will improve emergency coordination, support
public safety as well as transportation management, and provide situational awareness during
major events or natural disasters. It is apparent that throughout this evolution, maintaining clear
governance, transparency, cybersecurity, and respect for privacy and applicable laws is critical to
sustaining public trust. As this system continues to expand and ties into the Police Department's
Real Time Crime Center, city leadership will update the City Council with additional information.
Attachments: A. Police Department Policy 378
cc: Sheila Cobian, Assistant City Manager
Cindie McMahon, City Attorney
Ryan Opeka, Assistant Chief of Police
Maria Callander, Information Technology Director
Joe Stephenson, Assistant Information Technology Director
Special Order 2026-10
Attachment A
( City of
Carlsbad
CARLSBAD POLICE DEPARTMENT
POLICY MANUAL SPECIAL ORDER 2026-10
Pursuant to Carlsbad Police Department Policy 204, this Special Order becomes effective July 13, 2026.
Updated Policy:
378 -Public Safety Video Surveillance System
378.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The City of Carlsbad operates a public safety camera system for the purpose of creating a safer
environment for all those who live, work and visit the City. This policy explains the purpose of the
cameras and provides guidelines for their operation and for the storage of captured images.
378.2 POLICY
The Carlsbad Police Department operates a public safety video surveillance system to
complement its anti-crime strategy, to effectively allocate and deploy personnel, and to enhance
public safety and security in public areas. Cameras may be placed in strategic locations throughout
the City to detect and deter crime, to help safeguard against potential threats to the public, to help
manage emergency response situations during natural and man-made disasters and to assist City
officials in providing services to the community.
Video surveillance in public areas will be conducted in a legal and ethical manner while recognizing
and protecting constitutional standards of privacy.
378.3 OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Only department-approved video surveillance equipment shall be utilized. Members authorized
to monitor video surveillance equipment should only monitor public areas and public activities
where no reasonable expectation of privacy exists. The Chief of Police or the authorized
designee shall approve all proposed locations for the use of video surveillance technology and
should consult with and be guided by legal counsel as necessary in making such determinations.
378.3.1 MONITORING
Images from each camera will be recorded on a 24-hour basis every day of the week. These
images will be transmitted to an appropriate Video Management System (VMS) and may
be monitored by the Communications Center, Crime Analysts or other authorized personnel.
When activity warranting further investigation is reported or detected at any camera location,
the user may selectively view the appropriate camera and relay any available information to
responding units. Authorized users may adjust the cameras to more effectively view a particular
area for any legitimate public safety purpose.
The Chief of Police may authorize video feeds from the public safety camera system to be set
up at a location other than the Communications Center for monitoring by other than police
personnel when the provision of such access is in furtherance of this policy.
Special Order 2026-10 (c ity of
Carlsbad
Investigations camera use and camera trailer deployments will be documented in the surveillance
camera deployment log maintained by the Crime Suppression Sergeant.
The cameras only record images and do not record sound. Recorded images may be used for a
variety of purposes, including criminal investigations and monitoring of activity around high value
or high threat areas. In addition, the public safety camera system may be useful for the following
purposes:
379 To assist in identifying, apprehending and prosecuting offenders.
380 To assist in gathering evidence for criminal and civil court actions.
381 To help emergency services personnel maintain public order.
382 To monitor pedestrian and vehicle traffic activity.
383 To help improve the general environment on the public streets.
384 To assist in providing effective public services.
385 To investigate complaints of employee misconduct through established procedures.
386 To investigate violations of the citywide code of conduct for the use of public
city facilities, including documentation pursuant to administrative suspension.
378.3.2 CAMERA MARKINGS
All city-owned buildings that are open to the public and monitored by public safety surveillance
equipment shall be marked in a conspicuous manner with appropriate signs to inform the public
that the area is under police surveillance. Signs should be well lit, placed appropriately and
without obstruction to ensure visibility.
378.3.3 PROHIBITED ACTIVITY
Video monitoring will be conducted in a professional, ethical and legal manner. The public safety
camera system will not be used to invade the privacy of individuals, to look into private areas
or areas where the reasonable expectation of privacy exists. All reasonable efforts will be taken
to protect these rights. Video monitoring shall not be used to harass, intimidate or discriminate
against any individual or group.
Any video management system functionality that allows for the searching of videos shall be done
in a manner consistent with the requirements of this policy and shall be done for a legitimate law
enforcement purpose. The Public Safety Video Surveillance system shall not use facial recognition
for the tracking or identification of any individuals.
378.4 MEDIA STORAGE
All media will be stored in a secure manner as determined by the City of Carlsbad IT Director,
with access restricted to authorized persons.
Recordings not otherwise needed for official reasons shall be retained for a period of not less
than one year and thereafter should be erased with the written consent of the City Attorney. Any
recordings needed as evidence in a criminal or civil proceeding shall be copied to a suitable
medium and booked into evidence in accordance with current evidence procedures (Government
Code§ 34090.6).
Special Order 2026-10
378.5 REVIEW OR RELEASE OF VIDEO IMAGES
(City of
Carlsbad
The review or the release of video images shall be done only with the authorization of the Chief
of Police or his/her designee and only with a properly completed written request. Video images
needed for a criminal investigation or other official reason shall be collected and booked in
accordance with current departmental evidence procedures.
378.5.1 PUBLIC AND OTHER AGENCY REQUESTS
Requests for recorded video images from othE;lr government agencies .or by the submission of
a court order or subpoena shall be promptly submitted to the Records Manager, who will promptly
research the request and submit the results of such search through the Chief of Police to the City
Attorney's office for further handling. Every reasonable effort should be made to preserve the data
requested until the request has been fully processed by the City Attorney's office.
Video images captured by public safety cameras that are requested by the public or media will
be made available only to the extent required by law. Except as required by a valid court order
or other lawful process, video images requested under the Public Records Act will generally not
be disclosed to the public when such video images are evidence in an ongoing criminal
investigation in which a disposition has not been reached.
378.6 ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY CAMERA SYSTEM
The Assistant Chief of Police will conduct an annual review of the public safety camera system,
including portable camera systems/trailers deployed for investigative purposes. The annual
review will include an inventory of new video monitoring installations, date of installation and
summary of the purpose. Additionally, the audit will include a review of all assigned camera
users to ensure only authorized users have access to the system and verify the proper
completion of the investigations camera log. The review will confirm proper camera operation and
include any proposed policy changes.
The Assistant Chief of Police will prepare a written report In January documenting a review of
the previous calendar year. The results of each review will be submitted to the Chief of Police and
retained by the Professional Standards and Services Bureau. Any concerns or deviations from this
policy will be addressed promptly and effectively.
Special Order 2026-10
378.7 TRAINING
(City of
Carlsbad
All department members authorized to operate or access public video surveillance systems shall
receive appropriate training. Training should include guidance on the use of cameras, interaction
with dispatch and patrol operations and a review regarding relevant policies and procedures,
including this policy. Training should also address state and federal law related to the use of video
surveillance equipment and privacy.
Any non-Police Department employees who are granted access to the public safety camera
system will sign a written acknowledgment of their obligation to comply with this policy. Any new
written acknowledgments will be collected by the Assistant Chief of Police and submitted with
the annual review report.
Christie Calderwood,G iettoli Date 7 ;~