City Moves Forward with Surveillance Cameras

The unanimously approved the installation of video surveillance cameras in an attempt to curb certain illegal actions. As result of this, cameras will be set up in Stanford Alley, an area that is being improperly used for illegal dumping, in an effort to put a stop to this practice. 

“We got grants that will allow us to install cameras in the worst affected areas,” said Mohammad Mostahkami, Director of Public Works for the city of South Gate. “So we will be able to catch those that violate the law.”

Illegal dumping has not only been nuisance for residents, but also an extra cost for the city. The cameras are seen as a cheaper alternative to remedy the issue.

“When illegal dumping happens, the city has to pay over time, among other things,” said Mostahkami. “So it becomes more expensive than having cameras in the worst affected areas.”

Surveillance equipment will also be set up in public work facilities to better safeguard city owned property during off-hours.

“[The video surveillance cameras] are there to monitor city property and to make sure nothing is stolen or vandalized, ” said , South Gate’s City Manager. “The cameras are not there to monitor vehicles as they are moving or while employees are engaging in work related activities.”

The video cameras will be managed by the South Gate Police Department, who already manages a few video surveillance cameras in the city, that are being used for crime prevention, as well as to monitor traffic.

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