Milpitas council approves $60,000 home security camera grant, staff to buy non‑subscription cameras

The Milpitas City Council on March 17 approved a $60,000 home security camera grant program that will purchase non‑subscription cameras for distribution to residents, city staff said.

Acting Assistant Chief of Police Tyler Jamieson told the council staff evaluated three options and recommended buying cameras that do not require ongoing subscription fees so residents would not face recurring costs. “Our recommendation is option number 2,” Jamieson said, explaining that non‑subscription cameras can offer high‑resolution recording and storage without monthly charges and help expand equitable participation.

The funding is a one‑time allocation of $60,000 directed by the council. Under the approved plan, residents will preregister online and pick up cameras at police‑hosted community events on a first‑come, first‑served basis; staff said multiple events will be held so more residents can access devices. Proof of residency (for example, a utility bill) will be required at distribution, and the city will provide education on optimal placement to maximize public‑facing coverage for investigations.

Jamieson said cameras distributed by the city will belong to residents and there is no legal requirement to share footage. City Attorney Creech told the council the program can include an agreement with recipients that sets expectations about maintenance and voluntary cooperation, but cautioned that broad, long‑term waivers could raise Fourth Amendment issues. "You can have them sign an agreement," Creech said, noting that consent obtained at the time of an investigation or a warrant can address noncooperation.

Acting Police Chief Morales and other police staff said the department’s experience is that most residents cooperate and are willing to share footage when asked. "Most residents cooperate. Most people want to share video footage," Morales said.

Council members asked staff how uploads would be managed and whether camera models would integrate with existing evidence systems. Jamieson said the department will use a CommunityLink upload process to receive footage; staff identified that Ring cameras integrate directly with the department’s Evidence.com platform but require subscriptions, which the city sought to avoid. The chosen cameras will support local storage and direct uploads via the city’s digital intake process.

Councilmember Evelyn Chua moved to approve the staff recommendation; the motion passed unanimously among the members present. The city clerk recorded four ayes and noted Council member Liane was absent.

Next steps: staff will procure an initial batch of cameras, set up preregistration and community distribution events, prepare standard operating terms and recipient agreements, and track instances where distributed cameras provide useful evidence so the council can review results in the future.

Details staff provided to the council: the program is voluntary; cameras will be resident property; distribution will require proof of residency; the city recommends front/garage placement for public‑facing views; and staff will monitor program uptake and evidentiary outcomes to inform potential future funding.