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Sacramento Police Surveillance Cameras Raise Privacy Concerns

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Sacramento Police have installed surveillance cameras at two busy intersections, prompting concerns from a CBS13 viewer.

People are already taking notice of the new police observation devices, or PODs. They feature multiple cameras and are at two intersections—one in south Natomas, the other in South Sacramento. Both areas have high vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

"It's like another set of eyes, almost like another officer on the street, watching and seeing what's going on," said Sacramento Police Sgt. Monty Maxwell.

He says the cameras are intended to prevent crime. They're out in the open, clearly marked with the police department's logo and it's hard to miss the flashing blue light. Officers can also go back and review surveillance to search for suspects or leads in nearby crimes.

But not everyone is convinced.

"I just think the camera's in the wrong spot," said resident Elisa Esparza. "They're not gonna catch no one doing nothing there so it is an invasion of privacy."

But even she changed her tune when we told her police say the weeks-old cameras have already helped catch a criminal.

The cameras are also equipped with license-plate reading technology, meaning when an allegedly stolen car drove by, officers were able to recover it and arrest the driver.

The cameras are paid for by the department, with no grants involved.

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