Sacramento Police Expand Citywide Camera Network to Over 2,600 Devices

New technology helps reduce violent crime, but raises privacy concerns

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Sacramento Police Department has significantly expanded its network of surveillance cameras across the city, now with access to over 2,600 devices including 200 automatic license plate readers. Police Chief Kathy Lester credits the use of this technology as a key factor in reducing violent crime rates in Sacramento by 22% for homicides, 29% for robberies, and 37% for vehicle theft between 2022 and last year.

Why it matters

Sacramento's expanded use of surveillance cameras highlights the tradeoffs between public safety and individual privacy. While the technology has helped reduce crime rates, some city leaders and residents are concerned about the broader implications for civil liberties and the potential for misuse of the data collected.

The details

The Sacramento Police Department now has access to over 2,600 surveillance cameras around the city, including both city-owned devices and those owned by local businesses. Nearly 200 of these cameras have automatic license plate readers that can track vehicles as they move around town. Police Chief Kathy Lester says the department's strategic use of technology has been a 'force multiplier' in fighting crime, even as the department has 150 fewer officers than it did in 2008.

  • In 2022, the Sacramento Police Department began significantly expanding its use of surveillance cameras and other high-tech crime-fighting tools.
  • Between 2022 and 2023, the number of homicides in Sacramento fell by 22%, robberies dropped by 29%, and vehicle theft declined by 37%.

The players

Kathy Lester

The police chief of the Sacramento Police Department, who credits the expanded use of surveillance cameras and other technology as a key factor in reducing violent crime rates in the city.

Roger Dickinson

A Sacramento City Councilmember who expressed concerns about preserving civil rights and being sensitive to privacy issues with the increased use of surveillance cameras.

Lisa Kaplan

A Sacramento City Councilmember who acknowledged the successes in reducing crime but said there is still more work to be done.

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What they’re saying

“Since 2022, one of the most significant contributors to our violent crime reduction has been how we have modernized and strategically employed technology, and we know that technology can really be a force multiplier.”

— Kathy Lester, Police Chief (cbsnews.com)

“Hopefully, we are all sensitive about civil rights and preserving civil rights.”

— Roger Dickinson, City Councilmember (cbsnews.com)

“Let's celebrate the wins that crime is down in this city, but also acknowledge we have more work to do.”

— Lisa Kaplan, City Councilmember (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Some city leaders say they support installing new cameras that automatically issue tickets to the owners of vehicles caught running a red light, which could lead to further expansion of Sacramento's surveillance camera network.

The takeaway

Sacramento's expanded use of surveillance cameras highlights the complex tradeoffs between public safety and individual privacy. While the technology has helped reduce crime rates, it has also raised concerns among some city leaders and residents about the potential for misuse and the broader implications for civil liberties.