Brentwood adopts AI policy framework and approves video server upgrade with analytics
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Summary
The commission reviewed a model-based AI policy that sets transparency, safety and governance guardrails for municipal AI use and approved replacement of video servers and analytics-capable servers (Vigilant AI) to improve camera performance; commissioners raised privacy and scope questions about where analytics (LPR/firearm detection) will be used.
Brentwood commissioners reviewed two intertwined technology items: a citywide artificial intelligence policy framework and the purchase of Vigilant AI video servers that add analytics to the city’s camera system.
Staff described the AI policy as based on an established municipal model and focused on governance, human-centered design, security, transparency and vendor expectations. The policy requires staff to disclose when residents interact with municipal services that use AI and applies the same standards to contractors and vendors.
Separately, staff sought approval to purchase Vigilant AI servers at an estimated cost of $81,080 to replace aging video servers and enable analytics such as license-plate recognition and firearm detection on selected cameras. Commissioners asked which facilities would use analytics and whether facial recognition or other sensitive features would be enabled. Staff said the hardware enables features but the specific analytics to be used and their governance will be limited by policy and assigned lanes of authority within the police department.
Commissioners asked for explicit oversight language and assurance about where analytics will be active; staff said usage and access controls will be governed by policy and further operational decisions. The commission approved moving forward with the policy and equipment procurement on the consent agenda, with staff noting the policy is a framework to guide future use as AI features are integrated into municipal apps and camera systems.