[Bboa-members] Fwd: Surveillance cameras and funding a security guard at the Berkeley Marina

[Paul Kamen]

Berkeley Boat owners: Some progress on the security front, as per the forwarded email from Councilmember Maio (her district includes the marina). 

While it's true that video surveillance compromises our privacy a little, if it makes the waterfront safer at night then it improves access for everyone. I think we should actively support the parking lot cameras - although I note that I still think an entry kiosk, staffed only late at night (but possibly with cameras operating all the time) will be the best long-term solution to marina security issues. 

As a waterfront with a single vehicle entry and exit point, we have a huge architectural advantage for security purposes. Some level of monitoring at this entry and exit point is the most logical and cost-effective route to take. 

To address some questions that have come up earlier: The private security firm has been on the job since September 1, even if you have not seen their presence. Harbormaster Ann Hardinger verifies this via the record of key card use. 

This is saving the Marina Fund $77,000 per year over what we had been paying for intermittent police coverage. (The 5-night 40-hour/week police coverage, with no backup for sick days, was costing $163K/year. The 7-night 56-hr/week private service costs $72K for 10 months, or $86K/year.)

In many ways the private security is better, because unlike the police coverage they guarantee to have someone on patrol 7 nights/week, and do not get called away to help with other police action.

Also, it is easy for the marina staff to verify that the private service is on the job every night, because they have a record of key card uses. You might not always see them around, but the key records indicate that they are in fact patrolling the docks and parking lots at night as contracted.

We don't know yet if it is making a difference. There have been no reported crimes in the first two months, as of the Security Subcommittee meeting last Wednesday. But I have also seen a couple of patches of broken glass next to parking spaces, so we know the car break-ins continue.

One of the problems is that we just don't have good data to evaluate what we are doing. If you know of a break-in or other theft or violent crime, PLEASE report it to both the police and to marina staff. 

And if you have a problem or see "suspicious activity" late at night, a call to Berkeley PD (510-981-5911) can be routed directly to the security co. dispatcher and from there to the security person on the scene. 

Another big security-related problem at the marina is illegal dumping, mostly by small commercial operations that have, for example, building debris to dispose of. It clogs up the dumpsters and increases our trash disposal costs. This is not a safety issue, but if it continues the marina may be forced to put each dumpster inside a fence with a locked gate, and that would take out a few badly-needed parking spaces in each lot.

The price of a free dumpster is constant vigilance.... or something like that. 


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On 11/17/2006 at 3:32 PM Maio, Linda <LMaio at ci.berkeley.ca.us> wrote:
Tuesday night Council voted on my item to investigate installing surveillance cameras in parking areas that experience frequent break-ins.  The Police Chief will be carrying out this request.  In addition, we approved funding a security service (a guard) for the Marina.  (Please see the two attachments.)  I think it would be helpful to meet early next year to discuss the camera issue and to understand the security guard's duties and perhaps better direct these duties given stakeholder knowledge and experience.  At the very least we should establish a strong working relationship between you and the security staff.
Linda Maio 
http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil/2006citycouncil/packet/111406/2006-11-14%20Item%2015%20Contract%20Security%20Guard%20Services%20At%20The%20Berkeley%20Marina.pdf
http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil/2006citycouncil/packet/111406/2006-11-14%20Item%2018%20MAIO%20Installation%20of%20Surveillance%20Cameras.pdf
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Paul Kamen
Chair, Berkeley Waterfront Commission
510-540-7968  510-219-8106 (cell)
pk at well.com   www.BerkeleyWaterfront.org

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