Rochester Police Accountability Board Examines Surveillance Tech Use

Report finds racial disparities in blue light camera placement and data collection

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:18pm

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The Police Accountability Board in Rochester, New York held a public meeting to present its findings on how the Rochester Police Department uses surveillance technology, including body cameras, blue-light cameras, and data storage and usage. The report found that residents in predominantly Black or Hispanic neighborhoods are three times more likely to be surveilled by blue light cameras compared to predominantly white neighborhoods, despite camera placement not correlating with crime rates.

Why it matters

This report sheds light on the growing use of surveillance technology by law enforcement and the potential for racial bias in how these tools are deployed. It raises important questions about privacy, civil liberties, and equitable policing practices in Rochester and other communities.

The details

The Police Accountability Board's report examined RPD's use of various surveillance technologies, including body cameras and a network of blue light cameras installed around the city. The report found that camera placement does not correlate with crime rates, yet residents in predominantly Black or Hispanic neighborhoods are three times more likely to be surveilled by the blue light cameras compared to predominantly white areas.

  • The PAB meeting was held on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
  • The full report is available online for public review.

The players

Police Accountability Board

An independent civilian oversight agency that monitors the Rochester Police Department.

Rochester Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Rochester, New York.

Sara Jenks

The oversight manager for the Police Accountability Board.

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What they’re saying

“Surveillance technology has been something that's been evolving rapidly over the past few years. There have been many conversations around the country recently around things like facial recognition and automatic license plate readers. We want people to know that these are things law enforcement is using, and even someone who hasn't committed a crime is giving up their information through.”

— Sara Jenks, Oversight Manager, Police Accountability Board

What’s next

The Police Accountability Board is asking for additional public feedback on the recommendations in the report before submitting it to the Rochester Police Department.

The takeaway

This report highlights the need for greater transparency and oversight around law enforcement's use of surveillance technologies, especially when it comes to ensuring equitable deployment and protecting the privacy rights of all community members.