Sebastopol to Ease Restrictions on Police Use of Private Security Camera Footage

City council set to approve amendment that would allow police access to private security camera footage without prior approval.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The city of Sebastopol, known for its strict limits on government surveillance, is poised to amend its 4-year-old security ordinance to allow police easier access to footage from privately-owned security cameras. The proposed update would create an exception for "traditional security cameras" and no longer require police to seek council approval before using such footage as part of criminal investigations.

Why it matters

This marks a significant shift for Sebastopol, which has been a leader in Sonoma County in imposing limits on government surveillance. The amendment reflects a balance between public safety and civil liberties concerns, as the city seeks to provide police more tools to solve crimes while still preserving restrictions on higher-tech surveillance methods.

The details

Under the proposed amendment, the Sebastopol Police Department would be allowed to access and use footage from privately-owned security cameras to aid in criminal investigations. The current ordinance had created "ambiguity" around the use of such camera footage, preventing police from utilizing it. The amendment would also allow the police department to perform routine maintenance and upgrades on traditional security cameras installed on city property without needing council approval each time.

  • The Sebastopol City Council is expected to consider the amendment during its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • If passed, the amendment would take effect 30 days later.

The players

Sebastopol City Council

The governing body of the city of Sebastopol, which is poised to approve an amendment to the city's surveillance ordinance.

Sebastopol Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that would gain easier access to footage from privately-owned security cameras under the proposed amendment.

Sonoma County Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union

The organization that originally brought forward the strict surveillance ordinance adopted by Sebastopol in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“There needs to be checks and balances to ensure we're using the technology in the right way …. and we're not creating any type of environment that mischaracterizes people.”

— Kevin Kilgore, Former Police Chief

What’s next

If the amendment is approved, the Sebastopol Police Department will be able to immediately begin accessing and using footage from privately-owned security cameras as part of criminal investigations, without the need for prior city council approval.

The takeaway

Sebastopol's proposed update to its surveillance ordinance reflects the ongoing tension between public safety and civil liberties concerns in the digital age. While the city is still maintaining strict limits on higher-tech surveillance methods, the amendment signals a willingness to provide law enforcement more tools to solve crimes, even if it means easing some restrictions on the use of private security camera footage.