Milpitas to Distribute Smart Doorbells with Cameras

Residents can upload footage to police database under new city program.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:25am

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The city of Milpitas, California has approved a measure to distribute free wireless doorbells equipped with cameras to residents. The program aims to help police collect video footage that could aid in investigations, with residents able to upload any recorded footage to a police database.

Why it matters

This initiative reflects a growing trend of cities leveraging smart home technology and resident-generated surveillance footage to bolster law enforcement capabilities, raising concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of such data.

The details

Under the new Milpitas program, the city will provide residents with free wireless doorbells that include built-in cameras. Residents will have the option to connect the doorbells to a police database, allowing them to upload any recorded footage that could be relevant to investigations.

  • The Milpitas City Council approved the measure on March 28, 2026.
  • The doorbell distribution program is set to launch in June 2026.

The players

Milpitas

A city located in the Silicon Valley region of California.

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What they’re saying

“This program will help us build a safer community by giving residents the tools to easily share video evidence with the police.”

— Mayor Carmen Montano, Mayor of Milpitas

What’s next

The city plans to evaluate the program's effectiveness and potential expansion after the first year of implementation.

The takeaway

This initiative highlights the growing use of smart home technology and resident-generated surveillance footage by local governments to enhance law enforcement capabilities, raising important questions about privacy, data security, and the potential for misuse.