More surveillance cameras planned throughout Redlands

San Bernardino County Sun | March 25 2005

REDLANDS - We're watching you.

That's the message the Redlands Police Department is sending out as it plans to install more surveillance cameras throughout the city.

"This is all about using technology to put police officers where they need to be, when they need to be there to apprehend criminals,' Police Chief Jim Bueermann said.

The department has more than 20 cameras at three sites, including the city airport.

"We want people to think, 'If I go on airport grounds, they're going to catch me,'' Bueermann said.

He does not know how many additional cameras there will be, although he anticipates hundreds over a decade, nor does he know the locations, the cost or the funding source since the department is still plotting its strategy.

Reactions from residents have been mixed.

The cameras could help identify suspects and locations where patrols could be beefed up, said resident Michelle Schnepper.

"Our community is growing so quickly, and, unfortunately, we're seeing more crime,' she said.

Most of the crimes in Redlands are property crimes , like thefts , vandalism and burglaries. But the city has had cars stolen and bodies dumped in orange groves.

Mayor Pro Tem Gilberto Gil said he doesn't think more cameras are necessary.

"Are we in dire need of cameras in the downtown area? Are you having a plague of assaults or purse snatches?' Gil said. "This is absolutely crazy. In my opinion, it's Big Brother coming in.'

Bueermann says the cameras are no more intrusive than those at banks and convenience stores.

Elizabeth Schroeder, associate director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, said she had "grave concerns about the proliferation of cameras and the whole Big Brother aspect of every person's movement being captured throughout the day in many different locations.'

Resident James Sexton considered the idea of more cameras a double-edged sword.

"In one way, it's helping prevent more lawlessness in the city but also doing more invasion of privacy,' he said. "Everywhere I go I feel like I'm being watched.'

Resident Annette Reynoso said, "If you're not doing anything wrong, why worry about a camera? '

The cameras could show the police suspicious activity and allow them to take action before something happens, said resident Janice Singh.

"It would make us feel safer,' she said.

In addition, they can act as a deterrent. The department credits the surveillance equipment installed in 2002 at the airport for a drop in property crime from more than $88,000 lost in damaged and stolen property in 2001 to $100 in 2004.

The surveillance system at the airport cost $80,000 plus $7,000 more in maintenance, Bueermann said.

The Police Department will form a committee to look at the use of the cameras.

Schroeder said there have been instances in other cities where cameras and images recorded have been used inappropriately.