Council approves CityDetect camera pilot for code compliance after debate over privacy and use

The Cathedral City Council voted unanimously on June 25 to award a three‑year service agreement to CityDetect for AI‐enabled camera systems to be mounted on two code‑compliance vehicles. The contract runs $73,600 per year (total $220,800) and includes a 90‑day termination clause for convenience, effectively creating a renewable pilot.

Staff and the code‑compliance division described the technology as a tool to increase operational efficiency and to help identify potential code violations from public rights‑of‑way. "This is another tool in the toolbox," Andrew (staff) said, adding that the system is intended to help officers identify issues they would then verify and act on. Staff recommended pairing the contract with an administrative policy that limits access and clarifies operations.

Council members voiced a range of concerns during debate: privacy and oversight (who may view images and whether there are audit logs to show which staff accessed specific images), the risk of over‑enforcement or turning the cameras into what some called a de facto homeowner‑association enforcement tool, and possible workload impacts on code officers. Justin Gardner and staff said only code‑compliance officers would have access to the raw data, that imagery comes from public rights‑of‑way, and that the administrative policy and personnel rules would make improper use a personnel matter. Staff also noted the contract provides training, and city managers said they would monitor caseloads and staffing levels as the pilot proceeds.

Council members asked for close monitoring and the ability to terminate the contract if the pilot produced unsatisfactory outcomes; the contract’s 90‑day termination clause was noted as allowing such flexibility. After debate, Council member Carnivale moved the staff recommendation and Council member Gutierrez seconded; roll call showed five ayes and the motion carried.