On October 1, 2007, the El Cerrito City Council unanimously adopted the Video Surveillance Ordinance and a resolution establishing the minimum technical standards for video surveillance systems applicable to certain El Cerrito businesses. The Council also approved a financial assistance program for small businesses which are required or voluntarily want to conform to the ordinance.The Ordinance went into effect on October 31, 2007.
Businesses have until October 31, 2008 to comply with the new law.
Download the adopted Video Surveillance Ordinance (PDF, 35Kb)
Download the adopted resolution regarding minimum technical standards (PDF, 192Kb)
NEW!
Download the "Guide for Businesses"
(PDF, 787Kb)
Download the Loan Program Brochure
(PDF,508Kb)
Download the Loan Program Application Form
(PDF, 78Kb)
Resources for Businesses
"A Users Guide to Digital Video" by Conrad Steffen and Donald Cogswell (PDF, 1892Kb)
Posted online with permission from Aventura Technologies, Inc.
"Tips for Buying Video Surveillance Gear" by Jake Lahmann (PDF, 28Kb)
This article was originally published in Law and Order Magazine - May, 2007. Posted online with permission from Hendon Publishing Company
Vendor List
The City does not have a preferred vendors list of system providers and will not make recommendations regarding vendors (providers). However, to assist local businesses, the City of El Cerrito established a list of digital video surveillance system providers via a “Request for Qualifications” process. Also listed are vendors who have recently provided new or up-graded systems that meet the specifications of the Act for a business that is required to comply with the Act.
The following vendors have demonstrated an understanding of the Act, including the minimum technical standards:
Note: Businesses are not required to use a listed vendor.
All-Guard Systems - Hayward, Ca
George Keefe
gkeefe @ allguardsystems.com
(415) 255-4273
Listed May 14, 2008
Eartronix Security Solutions - Fairfield, Ca
James Lewis
jlewis @ eartronix.com
(877) 204-8753 x115 or (707) 249-6578
Listed May 14, 2008
KB Security Kams - Oakley, Ca
Kyndl Buzas
buzzcomm @ sbcglobal.net
(925) 890-0790
Listed May 14, 2008
RMSI - Rancho Cordova, Ca
Mary Lusi
mlusi @ teamrmsi.com
(916) 858-3300 x6002
Listed May 14, 2008
Williams USA - Santa Rosa, Ca
Philip Williams
n8972 @ williamscom.com
(866) 828-6763
Listed May 14, 2008
20-20 Surveillance - Union City, Ca
Sylvia Southard
s.southard @ 2020surveillanceusa.com
(866)955-2020
Listed June 6, 2008
Acme Security Systems - San Leandro, Ca
Rod Frazier
Rfrazier @ locks.com
(510) 483-6584
Listed July 16, 2008
Integrated Security Professionals - San Ramon, Ca 94583
Robert Blunt
bblunt @ ispalarm.com
(925) 277-9777
Listed Sept. 15, 2008
Apex Industry Service - Martinez, Ca 94553
Dick Fasi
dick @ apexmce.com
(925) 370-9660
Listed Nov. 5, 2008
Top Level Security - Martinez, Ca 94553
Karl Graumann
kgmann @ comcast.net
(925) 588-8245
Listed Nov. 17, 2008
InFocus Video - Pleasanton, Ca 94566
infocusvideo1 @ comcast.net
(925) 580-1717
Listed Mar. 18, 2009
Submitting Vendor Statements of Qualifications
Download the Request for Qualifications
(OPEN-ENDED) (PDF, 501Kb)
Download the El Cerrito Video Surveillance Act of 2007 (PDF, 251Kb)
For more information, during business hours contact:
El Cerrito Police Department at (510) 215-4410
or
Suzanne Iarla, Public Information Specialist at
(510) 215-4318 or siarla@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
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Media Coverage
Businesses Install Cameras - City of El Cerrito "News and Views" Fall 2008 (PDF, 490Kb)
Video cameras come to El Cerrito businesses by Shelly Meron, West County Times, 10/30/08
Businesses can get help paying for surveillance cameras by Shelly Meron, Contra Costa Times, 10/05/07
City closer to putting cameras in stores by Shelly Meron, Contra Costa Times, 9/21/07
Police push for business surveillance cameras by Shelly Meron, Contra Costa Times, 8/23/07
Police ask that cameras for traffic be set to record by Karl Fischer, Contra Costa Times, 08/18/2007
Additional articles
El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Article, Sept. 2007
Letter of Endorsement from the Chamber
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Overview
The Video Surveillance Ordinance and resolution calls for certain businesses in El Cerrito to use a continuous digital surveillance system that records images in color. It establishes standards regarding the type and number of cameras, as well as the media used for recording. For example, VHS-tape based systems often do not produce images clear enough to be useful for the police when investigating a crime. A quality video surveillance system helps the police to apprehend and prosecute criminals.
The number and location of cameras would depend on the store, and concerns about privacy have been taken into account. The minimum coverage would be for cameras dedicated to the entrances and exits to the establishment, each register, loading dock areas, customer or employee parking areas, and the entrances and exits to the parking lot.
The types of businesses that are required to install and operate a continuous digital surveillance system under the new ordinance are stores that:
- sell beer, wine or distilled spirits to be consumed off the premises;
- sell firearms;
- are second hand dealers (e.g. pawnbrokers, or coin dealers);
- banks;
- check cashing businesses;
- convenience stores;
- carry-out food and drink establishments; and
- shopping centers
If you have questions about the Act, please contact the El Cerrito Police Department during business hours at (510) 215-4400.
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HISTORY
Video Surveillance Act Meeting for Businesses - May 14, 2008
To assist those businesses in successfully meeting the deadline to comply with the Act, the Police Department hosted an informational meeting on May 14, 2008. Business owners were encouraged to attend the meeting to learn about the background of the Act, the technical standards required (such as type of cameras, etc) and information about the City’s financial assistance program available to small businesses which are required or voluntarily want to conform to the ordinance. Police Officers will were also available to talk one-on-one and answer specific questions about the Act.
City Council Meeting -
October 1, 2007
At the October 1, 2007 City Council meeting, the City Council adopted the Video Surveillance Ordinance and a resolution establishing the minimum technical standards for video surveillance systems applicable to certain El Cerrito businesses, as well as established a financial assistance program.
Dwayne Dalman, Economic Development Specialist (along with Lori Trevino, Economic Development/Redevelopment Manager and Chief Scott Kirkland) presented a loan program for small businesses which are required or voluntarily want to conform to the ordinance. The public was encouraged to attend the meeting. The Council unanimously approved the loan program and appropiated $165,000 towards the program, most of which are redevelopment funds. The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2007–82 and Redevelopment Agency Resolution No. 571.
City Council Meeting -
September 17, 2007
At the September 17, 2007 City Council meeting, Chief of Police Scott Kirkland presented to the City Council for their consideration the Video Surveillance Ordinance and a resolution establishing the minimum technical standards for video surveillance systems applicable to certain El Cerrito businesses. The public was encouraged to attend the meeting.
Read the update letter about the actions taken by the City Council on September 17. (This letter was sent to businesses/residents on the "Keep Me Informed" mailing list.)
City Council Work Session -
August 20, 2007
The El Cerrito City Council held a study session on August 20, 2007 regarding video surveillance systems for certain businesses within the City. At the study session, Chief of Police Scott Kirkland talked about a proposed digital video surveillance system.
“Safety is Good for Business” Forums
Before the City Council study session in August, the Police Department held a series of forums in July as part of the public outreach effort regarding the commercial surveillance program.
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