***SURVEILLANCE ALERT***

*SFPD IS ACTIVELY IMPLEMENTING COP CITY TACTICS*

by CYS
July 29, 2024

Prior to 2024, San Francisco had over 30 “crime safety cameras” throughout the Mission, Bayview, Tenderloin, etc. Now, SFPD is actively ramping up surveillance. They have installed new cameras that do not have to adhere to the city’s ban on facial recognition. And some of the cameras appear to be strategically placed to monitor, and ultimately quell, any protest.

You may now notice a new camera at 24th Street Bart Station directly facing the plaza where political actions often take place. In recent years, many of the actions have centered on the issue of street vending, as local officials have implemented several restrictive policies for vendors and even erected fences around the plaza to deter boosting (selling stolen goods as a means of survival.) 

Police sergeants and higher-ranking officers, essentially the same pigs who have been out at the plaza harassing street vendors and members of groups like the Mission DeFence, now have access to the area 24/7. All this is not surprising, given the rise of Cop City trainings designed to stop anyone from questioning the system.

Right now, SFPD can retain any footage on these cameras for 30 days. While some of these cameras may make people feel safer to walk home at night, they also give pigs ammo to profile and harm locals. 

And with the latest street vendor restrictions, only 9 vendors are approved to sell at 16th and 24th Street BART Plazas. So if you’re not one of the permitted 9 vendors, you’ll probably need to think about selling elsewhere so you’re not flagged by the Department of Public Works DPW or police. 

Be mindful and stay active.