Meeting for Businesses - May 14, 2008
Under the El Cerrito Video Surveillance Act of 2007 (Act), certain businesses are required to install and operate an approved digital surveillance system by October 31, 2008. To assist those businesses in successfully meeting the deadline to comply with the Act, the Police Department will be hosting an informational meeting:
Video Surveillance Act Meeting for Businesses
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
El Cerrito Community Center, Skylight Room, 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito, CA 94530
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 also be available to talk one-on-one and answer specific questions about the Act.
If you cannot attend the meeting but have questions about the Act, please contact the El Cerrito Police Department during business hours at (510) 215-4400.
|
Video Surveillance Systems for Certain Businesses
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 will go into effect on October 31, 2007. Businesses will have one year from that date to comply with the new law.
Read the adopted Video Surveillance Ordinance (PDF, 35Kb)
Read the adopted resolution regarding minimum technical standards (PDF, 192Kb)
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
Media Coverage:
Letter of Endorsement from the Chamber
Resources for Businesses
HISTORY
Provider List
In response to requests from local businesses, the City of El Cerrito is in the process of developing a list of reasonably priced continuous digital video surveillance system providers. The deadline for vendors to submit a statement of qualifications has passed.
Download the
Request for Qualifications (CLOSED)
(PDF, 272Kb)
Download the
El Cerrito Video Surveillance Act of 2007 (PDF, 251Kb)
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.
For more information, contact:
The El Cerrito Police Department at (510) 215-4410 during business hours
or
Suzanne Iarla, Public Information Specialist at
(510) 215-4318 or siarla@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
Printer-friendly page
