The Sacramento Police Department is always striving to get ahead of the curve when it comes to innovation and technology.   For the past three years, we have utilized mobile camera technology that has proven to be a major crime deterrent and very effective in crime prevention and suspect apprehension.

Today, we are excited to announce the latest implementation of fixed camera technology called Police Observation Devices (PODS).  The PODS are currently located at two major intersections: one in South Natomas (pictured below) and one in South Sacramento.

The primary goal of this device is to serve as a highly visible crime deterrent. The PODS are clearly marked with a police logo and a flashing blue light to maximize its effect as a crime prevention tool.  If a crime occurs recorded video can also be reviewed for potential evidence.

PODS are equipped with license plate reading (LPR) ability.  The LPR technology is able to quickly scan license plates and alert officers that a vehicle associated with a missing person or criminal activity is in the area.  The cameras have already proven successful.  

On September 15, 2014, one week after the pilot program began; police received an alert of a stolen vehicle being driven through the intersection of San Juan Road and Truxel Road.   Officers rushed to the area and recovered the stolen car (pictured below) and arrested the driver.

The Sacramento Police Department respects the privacy concerns of the community and has taken measures to exclude private residences from being recorded that are not under investigation.

We are committed to ensuring public safety and deterring crime; most major metropolitan cities throughout the nation are already utilizing the benefits of this technology.  This is another step towards using next generation technology to make Sacramento the Safest Big City in California.