The effectiveness of the Raven surveillance technology took center stage at the Surveillance Advisory Board's special meeting in Vallejo on July 24, 2025. Board members expressed concerns over the lack of concrete data to evaluate the system's impact on crime reduction and public safety.

During the meeting, discussions highlighted the need for measurable metrics to assess whether the Raven technology is genuinely saving lives or merely providing anecdotal success stories. One board member pointed out that while there are reports of arrests linked to the technology, the overall data remains insufficient to justify further investment. "We have success stories, but we don’t have the kind of evaluative metrics that we can use to observe the productivity of the program," they stated.

The conversation shifted to the importance of comparing arrest statistics from calls related to gunshots with those linked to the Raven system. Board members questioned whether the technology was truly effective or if other methods were yielding better results. "We could find other technology that could arrest 10 more people connected with these gunshots," one member suggested, emphasizing the need for a thorough evaluation of all available tools.

Additionally, the board grappled with its mandate, as some members felt the focus on the effectiveness of the Raven system strayed from the original purpose of assessing the risks associated with deploying such technology in the community. This raised questions about the board's role in determining whether the funds allocated for Raven were being spent wisely.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the necessity of gathering more comprehensive data to inform future recommendations. The ongoing debate underscores the critical balance between leveraging technology for public safety and ensuring accountability in its deployment. The board's next steps will likely involve a deeper dive into the metrics that can substantiate the effectiveness of the Raven system and its role in enhancing community safety.