Oakland Dispensaries: Who's Watching The Cameras?

California has strict regulations for cannabis businesses, including dispensaries, which require them to have a complete video surveillance system in place. These regulations include specific rules regarding camera placement, frames per second, and length of time video is stored. Given the stringent requirements, it is likely that Oakland, CA dispensaries turn to security companies that specialize in cannabis security systems. One such company is Safe and Sound Security, which offers security systems for cannabis businesses in Oakland and surrounding cities, including Hayward, Richmond, and Berkeley.

Safe and Sound Security provides surveillance for Oakland cannabis businesses

Safe and Sound Security understands the unique challenges faced by the cannabis industry and tailors its services to meet those needs. They design and install security systems that provide 24/7 protection for crops, cash, and merchandise. Their systems combine video surveillance, access control, and burglar alarms, ensuring that businesses comply with state and local security laws.

The company's expertise extends to camera placement, ensuring that cameras capture the required areas with the necessary clarity. They also offer a range of security cameras that meet and exceed the minimum resolution requirements for California cannabis businesses.

Safe and Sound Security's consulting services provide personalized assessments of cannabis facilities. They determine the optimal mix of security measures to safeguard all important areas, including entrances, perimeters, parking lots, and product storage areas. Their customer-focused approach and local expertise have made them the go-to choice for many California cannabis businesses.

With a strong presence in the East Bay, Safe and Sound Security is dedicated to supporting local companies in Oakland and surrounding cities such as Hayward, Richmond, and Berkeley. Their extensive experience in the area enables them to address the unique challenges faced by Oakland cannabis businesses, providing tailored security solutions.

Surveillance cameras are legally required in California cannabis dispensaries

In California, cannabis dispensaries are required by law to have surveillance cameras installed. The state has a booming industry of recreational cannabis businesses, but marijuana-related crime is on the rise. As such, California cannabis security services are more necessary than ever.

California law requires all cannabis businesses to install a complete surveillance system that monitors and records continuously. This includes dispensaries, grow facilities, and manufacturing facilities. The surveillance system must have a minimum camera resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels (720p) and a minimum frame rate of 15 frames per second. Cameras must be placed at all entrances and exits and record from both indoor and outdoor vantage points 24 hours a day without any interruptions. In addition, the area where cannabis is weighed, packed, stored, loaded, unloaded, and prepared must be recorded. Limited-access areas, the room containing the surveillance system storage device, and all entrances and exits must also be monitored.

Retailers must record point-of-sale areas and areas where cannabis is displayed for sale. Camera placement in these areas must allow for the recording of facial features with sufficient clarity to determine identity. The physical storage device for surveillance recordings must be secured to protect the recordings from tampering or theft. The recordings should be kept for a minimum of 90 days and are subject to inspection by the Bureau.

To comply with these regulations, cannabis businesses in California can work with security companies that specialize in cannabis security systems. These companies can help design and install compliant security systems, including video surveillance, access control, and burglar alarms.

California deploys freeway cameras to fight crime

California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed 480 to 500 high-tech surveillance cameras in Oakland and the surrounding freeways to tackle crime. The cameras will be able to identify and track vehicles by license plate, type, colour, and even decals and bumper stickers. The state has contracted Flock Safety, a surveillance technology company, to install the cameras, which will provide authorities with real-time alerts of suspect vehicles.

Criticism of the Surveillance System

Opponents of the new surveillance system say that it infringes on privacy and will lead to further police abuse of already marginalised communities. They argue that the money could be better spent on addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, housing instability, and low wages. Cat Brooks, executive director of the Anti Police-Terror Project, criticised the decision, saying:

> "How many people could be housed or trained into a living wage job or sent to college and get health care, things that actually keep people safe? You’re divesting in Oakland. You are taking critical resources that this city so desperately needs to build whole, happy, safe communities and you’re putting that toward the same failed strategies."

Security for Cannabis Businesses

In light of the rise in marijuana-related crime, security is a top priority for cannabis businesses in California. Safe and Sound Security, a California-based security company, offers security systems that combine video surveillance, access control, and burglar alarms to protect cannabis businesses. They ensure their systems comply with state and local security laws and work to eliminate crime.

Surveillance Cameras in Oakland

Oakland has previously installed surveillance cameras in areas where illegal dumping most frequently occurs. The cameras were installed to hold illegal dumpers accountable and build cases against offenders. The city has also requested the installation of security cameras on state highways and on-and-off ramps to improve safety for motorists.

Night Hawk Monitoring provides surveillance for Oklahoma dispensaries

Night Hawk Monitoring's security camera monitoring specialists alert authorities as soon as a trespasser enters an Oklahoma property, apprehending them in the process. They offer flexible 24/7 video surveillance camera monitoring, ensuring that someone is always monitoring the property. Night Hawk Monitoring can set up on-site and off-site DVRs so that events can be reviewed at the customer's convenience. This is crucial for high-risk properties, as the security camera recording device is often stolen or damaged during a crime.

Night Hawk Monitoring's virtual security guards can watch multiple areas of a property simultaneously, which would otherwise take multiple security guards to do. Their surveillance systems can offer forensic analysis of facial features, ensuring a pristine picture of the perpetrator's face is captured. This allows them to contact authorities and business owners immediately when a criminal act is witnessed.

Night Hawk Monitoring's services can save business owners money by protecting their investments from costly repairs due to break-ins or having to replace stolen equipment. Their surveillance systems can also minimize damage caused by fire, water, or even wild animals. Alerting the correct first responders to the scene can make the difference between a partial and complete loss.

Night Hawk Monitoring is committed to protecting properties by utilizing the latest surveillance and security camera technology. Their services are an effective solution for Oklahoma dispensaries looking to enhance their security measures and protect their valuable assets.

Flock Safety installs cameras that can identify vehicles

Flock Safety is an American company that manufactures and operates automated license plate recognition (ALPR) systems, video surveillance, and gunfire locator systems. Founded in 2017, Flock Safety has installed its fixed cameras in over 4,000 cities across 42 US states, as of 2024. The company markets its services as tools for crime prevention and claims that they aid criminal investigations. Flock Safety's most popular products are the Falcon and Sparrow, which are cameras that monitor traffic and photograph all passing vehicles. The software uses artificial intelligence to read license plates and identify other distinguishing visual characteristics, such as the make, model, and colour of the vehicle, as well as any unique attributes like bumper stickers or dents. This data is then logged and compared with police watchlists to identify vehicles of interest.

Flock Safety's systems have been the subject of debate and criticism regarding their efficacy in reducing crime and their impact on privacy and civil liberties. Critics argue that Flock Safety's claims about crime reduction lack rigorous scientific evidence, and there are concerns about the broadening of public surveillance, particularly affecting minority communities. However, some law enforcement officials praise the technology for its utility in solving cases.

Flock Safety's cameras are leased to various entities, including law enforcement agencies, homeowners' associations, schools, retailers, and commercial and residential property managers. The company integrates its ALPR and vehicle identification software with existing video camera systems, such as dashcams in police vehicles. Additionally, Flock Safety offers the Flock Raven, an audio gunfire locator similar in function to ShotSpotter.

While Flock Safety has faced opposition and scrutiny, it continues to expand its reach and has raised $380 million in venture funding, with a $3.5 billion valuation in 2022. The company's surveillance model has sparked debates across towns and cities, with some opting to contract Flock Safety's services while others choosing to opt out.

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