We have launched our ALPR (Automated License Plate Recognition) Camera Initiative. After a thorough review of the various options, we have determined that the best option is to partner with the Los Angeles Police Foundation to install a Motorola system. The LAPF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (www.supportlapd.org) that provide resources and programs that help the LAPD perform at their highest level. By working with the LAPF, donations may be tax deductible as a charitable donation, and we have an agreement with LAPF that all funds donated for this ALPR camera initiative will be used only for ALPR cameras in Cheviot Hills.
LAPD requires hard-wired cameras to make sure they work both day and night and at different speeds. The Motorola Vigilant L5F cameras will go on public property and will be hard-wired directly to a Bureau of Street Lighting or Department of Transportation pole. The Motorola cameras can feed images and information directly to on-board computers in LAPD vehicles.
This agreement will cover cameras/equipment for a period of 5 years. This gets us through 2029, after which we will only need to pay for cellular data.
Where can I donate?
You can donate to this initiative by visiting:
https://losangelespolicefoundation-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1332570
How do these cameras work?
Here is a short video that explains how these cameras work:
https://youtu.be/LnovknVA2cE?si=Y7YZcAND9H9PF5FW
My block wants to purchase our own ALPR cameras, how does this integrate with these cameras?
Although LAPD can access data from both Flock Safety cameras and Motorola cameras, only the Motorola cameras upload real-time data directly into LAPD vehicles. This was one of the deciding factors for our selecting the Motorola system. Purchasing additional cameras for individual blocks (whether from Flock Safety or Motorola) may provide residents more peace of mind and may provide additional information to help LAPD to solve crimes on your block, but we believe that the best solution for the community as a whole is to have cameras placed around the perimeter of Cheviot Hills thereby capturing all vehicles entering and exiting the area.
What is the process for getting these approved and installed?
Motorola is ordering and setting aside the equipment. Once the $184,000 has been raised, the Foundation will pay for the equipment. At that time, the Foundation will begin the process of approval from the City, which in their experience usually takes 3-4 months. First it has to go to the Police Commission, who already is aware of this initiative. After that, the Mayor’s office needs to approve. Mayor Bass is in support of this technology. Then, Public Safety has to grant approval. Finally, the full City Council has to vote to approve. After we receive all of the appropriate approvals, the cameras will be installed on already identified Bureau of Street Lighting poles.
What happens if the community cannot raise all of the money?
It depends on how close we are to the goal. We may need to scale back the number of cameras to reduce the total cost. Alternatively, if we have to abandon the project for any reason, the Foundation will return the money to donors.
Where are these cameras going to be located?
Cameras will be placed in strategic locations around the perimeter of the greater Cheviot Hills area. The locations were selected with input from LAPD, Motorola, and others with law enforcement experience.
Many cars used in committing crimes don’t have license plates or use stolen plates, are the cameras still useful?
According to LAPD, most cars committing these crimes do have license plates, albeit some are stolen plates or the cars themselves are stolen. But if the same plates are being used in multiple locations, the ALPRs will still be useful to notify LAPD when a vehicle with those particular plates enters (or exits) our neighborhood. Even for vehicles without plates, the ALPRs can still be used to identify vehicles using other information such as the make and model of a vehicle, distinctive bumper stickers, or other distinctive markings (or damage) on the vehicle.
What happens after 5 years?
These cameras will be the property of LAPD. At the end of the 5 year term they may absorb the costs of operation or they may come back to the community to pay for the cellular fee ($250/camera/year).
Since I am supporting this camera initiative, why do I need to pay my annual dues?
The majority of the annual dues the HOA collects are used to pay for the APS security patrol around Cheviot Hills. But with our annual dues at only $100 and only 35% of our 1,400 homes even paying their annual dues, the HOA simply does not have the financial resources to pay for these ALPR cameras without substantial assistance from the community.
My employer does matching funds. What is the process?
The Los Angeles Police Foundation is eligible for employer matching funds. The process for accessing those funds varies from company to company. Typically, a donor makes a donation and submits the Foundation information to the company to verify the donation. If companies need the Tax ID# for the Foundation, it is 95-4700442.
Letter sent to the community (link here)