OROVILLE — Oroville’s robot cop is here to stay.
After a test trial of a mobile surveillance trailer — equipped with 24/7 cameras, microphones, loudspeakers and lights — the Oroville City Council approved a one-year subscription with LiveView Technologies for its use by the Oroville Police Department.
Police Chief Bill LaGrone said the trial period led to identification of criminals and led to arrests.
“It’s been an effective piece of equipment,” LaGrone said.
The subscription, to cost no more than $45,000 annually, covers the cost of software, maintenance and even vandalism.
The trailer features solar panels and a battery; four cameras: one thermal, one movable; flashing blue lights; floodlights and audio warnings. And it’s all on wheels.
A mobile surveillance trailer, leased by the Oroville Police Department, watches over Miner’s Alley and dumpsters on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024 in downtown Oroville, California. (Michael Weber/Mercury-Register)
“The mobility of this piece of equipment is what makes it attractive,” LaGrone said, adding that it can be used to capture crowds in large events and find a missing person, for example.
Councilor Shawn Webber said he would like to see multiple trailers throughout Oroville. “My fear is that if we move the trailer, that becomes a hot spot again quickly. I don’t know how we can try to mitigate that.”
Councilor Tracy Johnstone said she has heard great responses about the trailer and would also consider placing more throughout the city.
City Administrator Brian Ring said there may be opportunities for fixed cameras in areas that need full time surveillance, but those come with cost prohibitions.
Vice Mayor Eric Smith acknowledged this type of surveillance has been controversial nationwide in regards to personal rights and privacy.
“Typically in public space, we should not have expectation of privacy, and it goes back to filming and media. … However, I think there is this growing concern of big brother dynamic,” Smith said, while acknowledging its effective use in solving crimes.
No public speakers made comments, and Smith encouraged the public to make input on this topic.
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“It’s, ‘how much of our privacy are we willing to sacrifice for a safe community?’ That’s where that tension lies. … To the community in Oroville, if you don’t like this you need to come to a council meeting and voice your concerns.
“I don’t think we should ever stop discussing that balance and revisiting it. I mean, it’s very important. The moment we feel the cops have too much power, chief, but we need to jerk the chain.”
Mayor David Pittman said Oroville isn’t the fist city to use the technology, but he thinks the trailer will be an important part of cities’ police forces in the future — and that the technology being applied by the Police Department to improve overall safety in the city is a huge benefit.
“These cameras; they don’t ask for sick leave; they don’t ask for vacation; they don’t need working benefits; they’re there 24/7, and to be frank that’s a good deal in this process,” Pittman said.
The council approved 7-0 a one-year subscription for the LiveView Technologies mobile surveillance trailer.
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