Denham Springs council approves Entergy pole-camera agreement after public privacy questions
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Summary
Council authorized the mayor to enter a camera-attachment agreement with Entergy Louisiana to add two surveillance cameras on utility poles, bringing the city total to seven; residents asked about license-plate-reading capability, third-party access and public records for the contract.
Denham Springs — The Denham Springs City Council voted unanimously Aug. 12 to authorize Mayor Gerard Landry to enter an agreement with Entergy Louisiana that lets the city place surveillance cameras on Entergy poles in selected locations. The council approved adding two cameras under the agreement; police said the city will have seven cameras total once installed.
Police and staff described the devices as “multi-sensor” video cameras — units with multiple lenses that provide different fields of view. Police Chief (unnamed in the meeting) told the council the cameras are primarily visual and used for traffic-safety and criminal-investigation purposes. Chief said detectives monitor cameras from the office and that cloud-based storage allows retrospective searches, and that cameras have capabilities beyond basic video: “They have the capability” to search for license-plate information, the chief said, but he added the department is “not using that capability to the extent you’re thinking of.”
During public comment, Chris Gauthier asked whether the cameras are “Flock” units and whether other law enforcement or third parties — including out-of-state entities — would have access to footage or license-plate data. Gauthier said he was concerned about a vendor model in which third parties retain or resell plate data. Police staff responded that the city’s system is not that vendor model and that records-release procedures apply; they also told Gauthier the public can file a records request to see the agreement and related policies.
Councilmember Wesley asked for clarification about whether cameras are fixed to intersections or can be relocated; staff said moving pole-mounted cameras is possible but requires administrative and utility approvals and is not done casually. City staff confirmed the system’s storage is cloud-based and that detectives can search recorded footage after an incident.
Councilmembers approved the agreement without recorded conditions. Staff said the city purchased additional cameras under an existing purchase order and will deploy them consistent with the Entergy pole-use process that requires coordination with the utility.
The city clerk said members of the public may request the contract and related policy documents through the city’s public records process. Residents and privacy advocates may follow up with the clerk’s office to request the installation list and the final contract.