The Orange County technology company DiscoverIT Solutions Inc. has been awarded a nearly $400,000 contract to purchase and install additional security cameras at Oceanside Harbor.
“The harbor project will add 51 new cameras to supplement the nine commercial-grade cameras currently in place,” Deputy City Manager Robert O’Brien said earlier this month. “Assuming no significant delays in the procurement and delivery of parts and equipment, the installation is expected to be completed by the end of April 2025.”
The new equipment is a response to heightened public concerns about safety at the harbor after a few high-profile, violent attacks earlier this year. The City Council unanimously approved the expenditure for cameras Dec. 18.
“The purpose of this project is to achieve near-comprehensive safety camera coverage within the harbor area, including Harbor Village, the marina’s gates, as well as each service building, which house restrooms for the public and slip permittees,” states a report by city staff.
Oceanside’s harbor has close to 1,000 recreational and commercial boat slips, and about 10 percent of the recreational slips are leased by boat owners who live aboard their vessel.
At present the harbor has about 18 security cameras, only nine of which are considered commercial-grade equipment, according to the report. Some of the cameras don’t record video and some don’t work because of poor Wi-Fi connectivity.
“Currently, only one commercial-grade camera partially covers the Harbor Village, an area in the district that is often congested with a large number of visitors, and lined with retail shops, restaurants, kiosks to purchase whale watching tickets and sundries, etc.,” the report states.
“Security cameras are an effective means to reduce criminal activity,” it states. “Not only do they serve as a visual deterrent to would-be criminals, they can capture video images necessary to help solve crimes when they do occur.”
The new cameras will not be installed in a manner that compromises the privacy of slip renters, the report states. Some will be in fixed positions, some will pan, tilt and zoom focus.
About two-thirds of the money will come from the city’s share of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, along with $100,000 from the harbor reserve account and just over $70,000 from the citywide general fund.
Harbor officials also have discussed the possible installation of a kiosk or similar structure to check people at the harbor entrances, perhaps to be staffed only overnight when the need for security is greatest.
