Elk Grove Launches Business Surveillance Camera Program

Elk Grove’s City Council on May 13 approved a new business camera incentive program that links private security systems to the city’s police technology network. The program, called BRICS — short for Business Reimbursement for Integrated Camera Systems — offers grants to qualifying businesses and commercial property owners that install eligible camera systems connected to the city’s Real Time Information Center. (elkgrove.gov) City documents say the effort is meant to expand the Elk Grove Community Sentinel Program and improve police response and investigations. CBS Sacramento reported the council approved up to $75,000 for the effort, with funding from the Measure E sales tax increase voters approved in 2022. ### What exactly did the council approve on May 13? (elkgrove.gov) Resolution No. 2026-097 established the BRICS Incentive Program and authorized the city manager to implement it, according to the adopted resolution. The measure says the city will reimburse up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $5,000 per applicant, for security camera infrastructure connected to the city’s Real Time Information Center through an approved integration platform. The city’s resolution says the program is intended to “enhance public safety” and encourage business participation in the Community Sentinel Program. The same document says the city views the effort as a way to strengthen partnerships between businesses and law enforcement and expand video intelligence in commercial areas. (elkgrove.gov) ### How does the camera program work for businesses that already have cameras? Elk Grove’s Community Security Camera Program gives participants two options, according to the city’s website. One option lets residents and businesses register existing security cameras in a database so investigators can identify possible video sources near an incident and contact owners to request footage. The other option allows camera integration, which gives police direct access to live exterior-facing feeds during emergencies near the location. (elkgrove.gov) The city’s frequently asked questions say registered cameras cannot be live-streamed by police. For integrated systems, the website says Elk Grove police can have direct access to the camera feed in case of an emergency near the location, and that commercial businesses and residential communities can ask for integration instructions based on their camera setup. (elkgrove.gov) ### What have city officials said about the public-safety case? Darrell Doan, Elk Grove’s economic development director, told CBS Sacramento that businesses in the program can receive up to $5,000 toward new exterior surveillance cameras. He said the systems would allow officers in the department’s real-time information center to monitor live video feeds when a participating business is connected to the city’s system. (elkgrove.gov) Doan told CBS that the technology could help police respond to crimes in progress by allowing officers to pull up a business camera feed and see “exactly what’s happening.” He also said technology deployment has helped the city reduce response times and “catch more bad guys.” (elkgrove.gov) ### Which businesses are already participating? CBS Sacramento reported that Fleet Feet at The Ridge shopping center was among the first properties to participate in the security camera program. The station also reported that the Elk Grove Auto Mall and Sun Grove Church were sharing video cameras with police. The city’s website says participation does not require the purchase of additional equipment unless the owner wants integration rather than simple registration. (cbsnews.com) That structure leaves businesses able to join either by listing existing cameras for possible evidence requests or by connecting eligible systems for live exterior feeds. ### What privacy limits has the city described? (cbsnews.com) Elk Grove’s website says an investigator will contact a camera owner to request video evidence if an incident occurs near a registered camera, and that those registered cameras cannot be live-streamed. For integrated cameras, the site says police access is tied to emergencies near the location and applies to exterior-facing feeds. (cbsnews.com) CBS Sacramento reported that the city has faced community concern over other surveillance tools, including Flock cameras and license plate technology. Doan told the station that participating businesses control through an agreement what police can see, what they can use and how they can use it, and said the program was aimed at crime deterrence and crime fighting. (elkgrove.gov) ### What happens next if a business wants in? The Community Security Camera Program page says businesses can either register existing cameras through a secure form or submit camera setup information to receive integration instructions. The BRICS resolution says the city manager is authorized to take the steps needed to implement and administer the reimbursement program, subject to City Council approval of the annual budget. (elkgrove.gov) (cbsnews.com) (elkgrove.gov)