Pleasant Hill approves 60-day public safety camera pilot at Sunrise Park

The Pleasant Hill City Council on July 14 voted 4-0 to approve a 60-day public safety camera pilot at Sunrise Park intended to deter vandalism and assist investigations.

Parks and Recreation Manager Ryan Merritt presented the proposal, saying staff and police had reviewed available technologies and recommended using the city’s existing relationship with vendor Flock to deploy a pan-tilt-zoom camera and a license-plate-reader (LPR) for the pilot. Merritt told council the departments will monitor system performance, investigative value and any measurable changes in vandalism during the 60-day period.

Councilmember Len Murray and others said they support the pilot as a tool to protect park users and limit opportunities for property damage. Councilmember Mark Konrad asked that the city communicate to neighbors that the park is under surveillance. Neighbor Al Root, who identified his address in the meeting record, also expressed support for additional protections near his property.

City staff said they are developing a public safety camera policy and communication plan to set standards for camera placement, authorized use, access to recorded footage, data retention, cybersecurity requirements and evidence management. The Police Department is designated as the operational administrator responsible for camera access, investigations and compliance during the pilot.

The pilot was approved as Resolution #071426-05 by motion of Len Murray and seconded by Andrew Birch; the roll call showed Murray, Birch, DeMoss and Konrad voting aye. The council did not discuss changing policy details at the meeting; staff will return with policy language and pilot findings as the evaluation proceeds.