Concord Police Consider Buying Surveillance Cameras

Concord Police want to spend about $54,000 on surveillance cameras and place them near entrances to parks.

City staff was scheduled to present the purchase proposal to City Council on Nov. 12. But the item was pulled from the agenda for further review.

A review of public records shows that police want to place the cameras at the open spaces located at the intersections of Treat Boulevard and Cowell Road, as well as at Ygnacio Valley Road where it intersects with Cowell Road.  The cameras would not be permanently installed to allow police the flexibility to relocate them to other areas. The goal is to deter vandalism and other property crimes.

Police want to use money from the city’s Asset Forfeiture Account, which has a balance of $407,009.83, according to city documents.

The system being scrutinized for installation would cost $54,012.17. This amount includes the cost to train staff how to use it. City staff is reviewing the proposal.  The Chief of Police may bring this item to the table during the next City Council meeting.