The Surveillance Advisory Board of Vallejo, California, convened for a special meeting on July 24, 2025, to discuss the implementation of mobile security towers aimed at deterring crime in the city. The meeting began with a review of the agenda, which included updates on the progress of the technology and a presentation from Live View Technology Inc. (LVT), the recommended vendor for the mobile towers.

Captain Bautista outlined the urgency of the situation, citing recent incidents of gun violence in Vallejo, including multiple shootings and a homicide. In response, the Vallejo City Council had previously directed staff to expedite the purchase of 4 to 6 mobile security towers for deployment in high-crime areas. The board was tasked with reviewing privacy concerns associated with the technology before making a recommendation to the city council.

During the meeting, board members discussed the necessity of moving forward with the technology, emphasizing the importance of continuing the work despite differing opinions on the board. A motion to proceed with the recommendation passed with a majority vote, allowing Captain Bautista to prepare the necessary documentation for approval in September.

The presentation by LVT highlighted the features of their mobile security units, which include advanced surveillance capabilities, alert systems, and data security measures. LVT representatives assured the board that their technology is designed to deter crime and assist law enforcement effectively. They also addressed concerns regarding data security, stating that customer data would not be used for AI training without explicit consent.

Board members raised questions about compliance with security standards and the potential for unauthorized data usage. LVT representatives confirmed that they could provide compliance documents and assured the board that there have been no incidents of data breaches.

As the meeting progressed, discussions revealed a desire for more comprehensive research into vendor options and a thorough evaluation of the technology's effectiveness. The board expressed the need for additional data to support their decision-making process, indicating that future meetings may focus on gathering more information and community feedback.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgency of addressing crime in Vallejo through technological solutions while balancing privacy concerns. The board's next steps will involve further discussions and preparations for a special meeting in August to continue evaluating the proposed mobile security towers.