Carlsbad police temporarily installs security cameras around city

Apr 18, 2024

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CARLSBAD, Calif. — Security cameras that capture 360 degrees of video at a Carlsbad intersection were installed following a string of vandalism.

Perched high above the intersection of Roosevelt Street & Chestnut Avenue in the City of Carlsbad are a dome of cameras fixated to a metal box on a light pole.

The City of Carlsbad told CBS 8 that Carlsbad Police Department placed a camera at this location following several incidents of vandalism.

"We have very specific policies for how and when cameras may be used and encourage community members to review this information on the city’s website," said Denise Ramirez, a Public Information Officer for Carlsbad police.

People who live in the neighborhood have mixed feelings about the cameras.

"If you're not doing anything wrong, then I think we're okay," Tom said.

While others disagreed.

"I call it surveillance on steroids I just don't think we need it," said Deedee Trejo-Rowlett.

Deedee has lived in the neighborhood all her life. She noticed the cameras last week.

"One of the city employees was putting it up and we asked why the camera was going up and he said there's bad things happening in the neighborhood, and he couldn't explain why or what," she said.

City policy says each camera is recording on a 24/7 basis and the images are transmitted to monitors at the Watch commander's office and communications center.

"I just feel like we're slowly dying by papercuts. One camera here, there and the next thing you know our whole democracy is changed," Deedee said.

The City of Carlsbad uploaded a 3-page document detailing its Public Safety Camera System use to its website.

"Cameras may be placed in strategic locations throughout the City at the direction or with the approval of the Chief of Police," the police elaborated.

Carlsbad officials did not clarify when the cameras would be removed from the intersection.

"There's so many people nowadays that think we shouldn't have cameras watching us for whatever reason. I'm not one of those," Tom said.

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