Smart Eyes on Crime: Cameras in Porter Ranch

Driving through Porter Ranch and noticing a small camera. That’s no ordinary camera, it’s a license plate reader, one of the 100 being installed across the San Fernando Valley. These smart cameras can track and record license plates as they pass by, helping police narrow down their search for vehicles tied to crimes.Councilmember John Lee is making this happen with his $500,000 allocation for these cameras. They’re not just for Porter Ranch; other parts of the northwest San Fernando Valley will also get them. These plate readers are already a big help in places like Beverly Hills and Orange and Riverside counties. So, why shouldn't they be helpful here too? But remember, while these cameras can catch bad guys, they also raise questions about privacy. It’s something to think about as we make our neighborhoods safer.