San Jose Introduces Mobile Security Units as Part of Crime Prevention Strategy
San Jose is deploying mobile security units in an effort to deter crime in the city.
City leaders believe that the loud recorded announcements and video cameras on these units will help reduce criminal activity. “We can never be everywhere all at once,” said Police Chief Paul Joseph. “What these cameras allow us to do is monitor locations where problems occur. They help deter crime before it happens and, unfortunately, if a crime does occur, they provide evidence to identify, apprehend, and prosecute suspects.”
Currently, one unit is stationed at Lion Plaza and another across the street on Tully Road, but their locations may change. “These cameras can be mobile and do not need to stay in one place. We can move them to areas that business owners identify as strategic for crime deterrence,” said Councilmember Domingo Candelas.
However, some community members have raised concerns about privacy and the duration for which images captured by the cameras will be stored. Chief Joseph reassured the public, stating, “We are not routinely storing all of this data, so there is no retention policy. We do not store images unless a crime has occurred.”
San Jose is not alone in utilizing this technology; San Francisco also rolled out similar mobile security units last month.
