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Southwest Border Communities

Southwest Border Communities

 

A Guide to the Police Technology Deployed in Counties Along the U.S.-Mexico Border

The Electronic Frontier Foundation has partnered up with the University of Nevada, Reno's Reynolds School of Journalism to begin an inventory of what surveillance technologies law enforcement agencies across the country have acquired. We started with communities along the U.S.-Mexico border: areas of contention and controversy, where discussions of “virtual walls” have resulted in increased funding and focus on surveillance. 

Over the course of the spring and summer of 2019, Reynolds School students scoured the internet for news articles, research reports, press releases, and public records to compile a set of more than 225 data points where surveillance technology is located in the 23 border-facing counties in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

In addition to building this data set, Reynolds School students wrote detailed profiles of six particular border counties: San Diego, California; Pima and Cochise counties, Arizona; Doña Ana County, New Mexico; and El Paso and Webb counties, Texas. The aim is to provide local residents with an easily accessible field guide to the surveillance technologies that law enforcement agencies have placed in their communities. We found 36 local government agencies using automated license plate readers (ALPR), 45 outfitting officers with body-worn cameras, and 20 flying drones. Our research also maps a variety of technologies the federal government has deployed in these counties, from sensor towers to surveillance blimps. 

Highlights

Biometrics

January 10, 2020 update: Due to the passage of a California law banning mobile face recognition for three years, the San Diego area law enforcement agencies have all ended their face recognition programs and we have removed them from the dataset.

We found that 31 law enforcement agencies in San Diego County, California, access face recognition technology through a regional partnership, accounting for more than 25,000 queries in 2018 alone. Law enforcement in Texas and Arizona are able to make face recognition requests through their states’ respective departments of public safety. In Doña Ana County, New Mexico, the sheriff’s office pursued face recognition cameras that are mounted on protective eyewear. Doña Ana County deputies, along with their counterparts in Cameron, Hidalgo, and El Paso counties in Texas, are using iris scanners in their jails. 

Operation Stonegarden 

Local law enforcement agencies along the border often acquire surveillance technologies through Operation Stonegarden, a federal program that funds local police that participate in border security operations. The Laredo Police Department in Texas, and the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office and Marana Police Department in Arizona, have acquired automated license plate readers (ALPRs) through Operation Stonegarden. The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, Hidalgo Police Department, Edinburg Police Department, and Pharr Police Department in Texas have used Stonegarden funds to purchase Skycop surveillance trailers, equipped with cameras and ALPRs. Meanwhile, the Webb County Sheriff’s department used Operation Stonegarden funds to install 10 surveillance camera towers along its border with Mexico. 

CBP Surveillance 

Our research maps out the county-by-county placement of a variety of surveillance systems operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and one of its units, the U.S. Border Patrol. The agencies operate tethered surveillance blimps called “aerostats,” some of which are permanently tethered and others that can be relocated based on need. There are also a variety of surveillance towers throughout the region, often equipped with cameras, radars, and infrared sensors. In addition, the agencies deploy ground sensors, ALPRs, and drones. We also found that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration operates ALPRs in the border region. 

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Agency County State Jurisdiction Technology Town/City LEA Type Summary Vendor Link Additional links Source
Cochise County Sheriff's Office Cochise County AZ County Body-worn Cameras Bisbee Sheriff The Cochise County Sheriff's office received approve to spend $580,784 over five years to outfit 60 officers with Axon body-worn cameras. Axon http://agenda.cochise.az.gov/agenda_publish.cfm?id=&mt=ALL&get_month=3&get_year=2019&dsp=agm&seq=4366&rev=0&ag=1606&ln=56841&nseq=&nrev=&pseq=&prev=#ReturnTo56841   Cochise Website
Cochise County Sheriff's Office Cochise County AZ County Camera
Network
Bisbee Sheriff In 2016, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office began building a “virtual fence system” from 50 wireless cameras. It is funded by the Joint Border Security Advisory Committee, a state body overseeing border issues. The Sheriff’s office placed these BuckEye cameras in a 42-square mile area in the San Pedro River Valley that covers about 14 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border and extends three miles north from the border. Cogniac https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6353428-JBAC-January-18-2018.html https://web.archive.org/web/*/https://theintercept.com/2019/07/23/google-ai-gradient-ventures/ Cochise County Sheriff's Office
Cochise County Sheriff's Office Cochise County AZ County Cell-site Simulators Bisbee Sheriff While the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office does not own a cell-site simulator, search warrant records obtained by a local reporter show that deputies have the ability to access such a device maintained by the U.S. Marshals Service.   https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/5002045-Doc-10-14-2018-12-49-25.html?fbclid=IwAR1T3DcYKOlJ1H875gCnVyFyfcQ2weiqDNFJX010tBIxakx_LUUlExImm0c https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/5002053-Doc-10-14-2018-13-46-56.html?fbclid=IwAR3dlbnwM4-oHggLjya3uKkkR4Jl1fBzzslgeskQqxuJp9YCJsXQwPURwqI Bisbee Justice Court
Cochise County Sheriff's Office Cochise County AZ County Drones Bisbee Sheriff In 2014, the Cochise County Sheriff's Office received a Lockheed Martin QR-425 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for use in law enforcement and search and rescue activities. S Lockheed Martin http://agenda.cochise.az.gov/mindocs/2014/BOS/20140408_628/42_04-08-14_1116_MINUTESpacket.pdf   Cochise County Board of Supervisors Meeting
Cochise County Sheriff's Office Cochise County AZ County Starchase Bisbee Sheriff In 2012, the Arizona Department of Public Safety transferred two StarChase vehicle pursuit management systems to the Cochise County Sheriff's Office. Starchase http://agenda.cochise.az.gov/agenda_publish.cfm?id=&mt=ALL&get_month=6&get_year=2012&dsp=agm&seq=766&rev=0&ag=268&ln=16517&nseq=789&nrev=0&pseq=&prev=#ReturnTo16517   Cochise County Board of Supervisors Meeting
Fort Huachuca Military Police Cochise County AZ Military Camera
Network
Fort Huachuca Military Police In late 2013, the Fort Huachuca Military Police Department purchased 22 Panasonic Arbitrator digital video systems to capture 360-degree footage of everything inside and outside of patrol vehicles. Panasonic https://www.ruggedmobilityforbusiness.com/2013/09/fort-huachuca-police-advance-mobile-efficiency-with-panasonic-solution/ https://www.security.us.panasonic.com/case-studies/case/fort-huachuca Panasonic
Huachuca City Police Cochise County AZ Municipal Body-worn Cameras Huachuca City Police Huachuca City set aside $3,200 for body-worn cameras in its 2017 budget.   https://www.huachucacityaz.gov//Documents/AgendasMinutes/Council/Agendas/2017/08-02-2017%20Public%20Notice%20-%20Budget.pdf   Town of Huachuca City Council Minutes
Sierra Vista Police Department Cochise County AZ Municipal Body-worn Cameras Sierra Vista Police Sierra Vista Police Department purchased 62 Axon body-worn cameras in 2017. Axon https://www.myheraldreview.com/free_access/sierra-vista-police-ready-to-don-body-cameras-next-week/article_d0724dae-e840-11e6-9ce0-cfb338fd216e.html   Herald/Review
Sierra Vista Police Department Cochise County AZ Municipal Drones Sierra Vista Police Since 2018, the Sierra Vista Police Department has been developing an drone program, but as of July 2019, it had not yet received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.   https://www.myheraldreview.com/news/government/svpd-plans-to-start-officer-drone-program/article_a6b4bb8c-3ee8-11e8-b275-23c6af07ebcb.html https://www.bensonnews-sun.com/news/article_06b2ffc4-ecf1-11e8-8468-8f6635082d62.html My Herald Review
Tombstone Marshal's Office Cochise County AZ Municipal Drones Tombstone Marshal Tombstone Marshal’s Office, Fire Department, and Public Works Departments fly a drone for various operations, including “search and rescue, firefighting, utility inspections, accident scene reconstruction, warrant service, and many other applications.”   http://thetombstonenews.com/clients/thetombstonenews/TMBNEWS050319.pdf https://www.facebook.com/pg/Tombstone-Marshals-Office-128767120474147/posts/ The Tombstone News
U.S. Army Fort Huachuca Cochise County AZ Federal Drones Fort Huachuca Federal agency Fort Huachuca is the largest unmanned aircraft systems training facility in the world, according to the Sierra Vista Economic Develop Department.   https://www.sierravistaaz.gov/city-departments/economic-development/growth-industries/unmanned-aircraft-systems/   Sierra Vista Arizona
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Cochise County AZ Federal Drones Fort Huachuca Federal agency U.S. Customs and Border Protection has operated Predator B drones out of Libby Army Airfield in For Huachuca since 2011. General Automatics https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2019-Feb/air-marine-fact-sheet-uas-predator-b-2015.pdf   U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Cochise County AZ Federal Tethered Aerostat Radar System Huachuca City Federal agency U.S. Customs and Border Protection "Tethered Aerostat Radar Systems" (TARS) are unmanned, unarmed blimps used for surveillance. One of the six aerostats along the U.S.-Mexico border is moored near Ft. Huachuca, Arizona.   https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/682842.pdf https://www.cbp.gov/frontline/frontline-november-aerostats U.S. Government Accountability Office
Arizona Department of Public Safety Maricopa County AZ Statewide Face recognition Phoenix State The Arizona Department of Public Safety has a "Facial Recognition Unit" with access to a database of 15-million mugshots. The unit assists both local and federal investigators in identifying subjects.   http://www.azdps.gov/sites/default/files/media/Annual%20Report%202018-v5.pdf https://www.azdps.gov/organization/tsd/cjs Arizona Department of Public Safety
Arizona Department of Transportation Maricopa County AZ Statewide Face recognition Phoenix State The Arizona Department of Transportation applies face recognition to the state's driver license database and will respond to requests from state and federal agencies.   https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2019/07/08/adot-use-of-facial-recognition-strictly-limited-official-says/   Capitol News Service
Drug Enforcement Administration Pima County AZ Federal Automated
License Plate
Readers
Tohono O'odham Nation Federal agency The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has installed automatic license-plate readers along Interstate 19 and uses them along other highways, like Arizona 86. The DEA has also used clusters of readers along Arizona 86 and other highways on the Tohono O'odham Nation, an area frequented by smugglers. Tohono O'odham Police Chief Joseph Delgado told reporters that the devices also were being used in two places along Federal Route 15 and along Federal Route 42 in the northern part of the reservations.   https://tucson.com/news/local/border/license-plate-scanners-let-gov-t-track-your-travels/article_a3ee4b9c-a154-5da1-9a5f-e9f0ef490b32.html   Arizona Daily Star
Marana Police Department Pima County AZ Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
Marana Police The Marana Police Department received federal funds through Operation Stonegarden to purchase an automated license plate reader, along with six vehicle-mounted thermal imaging devices.   https://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/border-bucks-operation-stonegarden/Content?oid=24698772   Tucson Weekly
Marana Police Department Pima County AZ Municipal Body-worn Cameras Marana Police The Marana Police Department received 60 Axon body-worn cameras in 2016. In 2019, the agency planned to acquire 5 more units. Axon https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/marana-police-department-get-new-body-cameras http://www.pcao.pima.gov/documents/14%20January%202018%20Memo%20to%20CHH%20and%20Bd%20of%20Sup%20re%20PCAO%202019-20%20Proposed%20Budget.pdf KGUN 9
Oro Valley Police Department Pima County AZ Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
Oro Valley Police The Oro Valley Police Department’s policy authorizes officers to use ALPR for a wide variety of investigations, including identifying stolen or wanted vehicles, stolen license plates, missing persons, active warrants, surveillance, suspect interdiction, stolen property recovery, and for undefined “homeland security” activities. Police are also encouraged to canvass neighborhoods around crime scenes using vehicles outfitted with ALPRs. Oro Valley Police volunteers also drive cars equipped with ALPR technology.   https://www.orovalleyaz.gov/sites/default/files/media/docs/2019/ovpd-policy-manual.pdf https://www.orovalleyaz.gov/police/police-faqs Oro Valley Police Department
Oro Valley Police Department Pima County AZ Municipal Drones Oro Valley Police The Oro Valley Police Department purchased three DJI drones for $7,000. DJI https://tucson.com/news/local/oro-valley-police-second-local-law-enforcement-agency-in-area/article_fd952ff0-ea3f-5736-ba50-f31ddcd3ff60.html   Arizona Daily Star
Pima County Sheriff's Department Pima County AZ County Automated
License Plate
Readers
Tucson Sheriff The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has five ALPR units, but its plans to expand its ALPR use through similar Operation Stonegarden grant was rejected by officials in 2019.   https://web.archive.org/web/20190820213558/http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/050719_stonegarden_supes/pima-county-oks-stonegarden-border-funding-3-2-vote/ http://webcms.pima.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/File/Government/Clerk%20of%20the%20Board/BCC/CLEPC/4.8_Item%206_SD_CLEPCRequestforInformation.pdf Tucson Sentinel
Pima County Sheriff's Department Pima County AZ County Drones Tucson Sheriff Pima County Sheriff’s Department also purchased two drones in 2019. According KGUN 9, the primary use will be to document traffic accident scenes, but the drones may also be used to support SWAT operations. However, KGUN reports, “they are not going to use it for any sort of general day to day surveillance.”   https://www.kgun9.com/operation-safe-roads/pima-sheriffs-dept-launching-drone-program https://pimasheriff.org/application/files/7115/6346/6465/Pima_County_Sheriffs_Department_Strategic_Plan_2018_-_2021.pdf KGUN 9
Sahuarita Police Department Pima County AZ Municipal Body-worn Cameras Sahuarita Police Sahuarita Police Department began its body-worn camera program in 2017. As of 2019, SPD had 49 body-worn camera. Axon https://www.sahuaritasun.com/news/some-sahuarita-officers-now-wearing-body-cameras/article_d9f52482-c0c1-11e7-9077-7f3a87cf1e17.html http://www.pcao.pima.gov/documents/14%20January%202018%20Memo%20to%20CHH%20and%20Bd%20of%20Sup%20re%20PCAO%202019-20%20Proposed%20Budget.pdf Sahuarita Sun
Sahuarita Police Department Pima County AZ Municipal Drones Sahuarita Police With the purchase of two quadrotors in 2016, Sahuarita Police Department became the first local law enforcement agency in Arizona to deploy drones. The wide variety of authorized uses include public safety missions, such as searching for lost of missing people or suspects at large, monitoring emergency situations, and documenting crime scenes, but the drones may also be used for creating marketing materials for the town.   ;">https://youtu.be/zLKAUf25snw https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/sahuaritasun.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/04/3042f3cc-d46f-11e6-afbe-93eb8441ef66/587034bc445ae.pdf.pdf https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/sahuaritasun.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/04/3042f3cc-d46f-11e6-afbe-93eb8441ef66/587034bc445ae.pdf.pdf Sahuarita Sun
South Tucson Police Department Pima County AZ Municipal Body-worn Cameras South Tucson Police Meeting minutes from the South Tuscon City Council show that South Tucson Police Department received funding from the Tohono O’Odham Nation to purchase body-worn cameras for all its officers in 2015. As of a 2018 meeting, the police continued to use the cameras and sought grant funding for a new server to store body camera footage and other digital evidence. Axon https://www.southtucsonaz.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/1207/mn101915.pdf https://www.southtucsonaz.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/1165/mn081417.pdf
http://www.pcao.pima.gov/documents/14%20January%202018%20Memo%20to%20CHH%20and%20Bd%20of%20Sup%20re%20PCAO%202019-20%20Proposed%20Budget.pdf
South Tucson
Tucson Police Department Pima County AZ Municipal Artificial Intelligence Tucson Police COPLINK is a database analysis system developed by Tucson Police Department and the University of Arizona Artificial Intelligence Lab. COPLINK allows law enforcement to mine and analyze data across multiple databases in investigations using AI algorithms. Forensic Logic https://www.tucsonaz.gov/police/technology-initiatives https://mijente.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/WHO’S-BEHIND-ICE_-The-Tech-and-Data-Companies-Fueling-Deportations_v3-.pdf City of Tucson
Tucson Police Department Pima County AZ Municipal Body-worn Cameras Tucson Police As of January 2019, Tucson police had more than 500 body-worn cameras and was seeking funding for 129 more devices.   http://www.pcao.pima.gov/documents/14%20January%202018%20Memo%20to%20CHH%20and%20Bd%20of%20Sup%20re%20PCAO%202019-20%20Proposed%20Budget.pdf https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/police/Body_Worn_Camera_Presentation_moded.pdf
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/police/BWC_User_Manual_PDF.pdf
Tucson City Attorney
Tucson Police Department Pima County AZ Municipal Camera Registry Tucson Police The Tucson Police Department encourages residents to register their private surveillance cameras with the city.   https://www.kold.com/2018/09/20/register-your-security-camera-with-tucson-police-help-solve-crime/ https://analytics-api.commandcentral.com/camera_registration#/agencies
http://paloverdeparkneighborhood.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Surveillance-camera-registration.pdf
KOLD
Tucson Police Department Pima County AZ Municipal Real-Time Crime Centers Tucson Police According to Police Chief magazine, the Tucson Police Department's Real-Time Analytical Crime Center (TRACC) "provides analytical support to the officers as they respond to calls and provides division commanders with predictive analyses of criminal activity and traffic accidents by examining trends and hotspots in particular areas. The analyses provided by the TRACC go beyond simple collection and disbursement of statistics and provide more detailed analyses of the motivations behind criminal activity." A message from the TPD chief on Facebook further indicated that staff at TRACC monitor calls for service and live video feeds.   https://www.policechiefmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/PoliceChief_March_2017_WEB.pdf https://www.facebook.com/TucsonPoliceDepartment/posts/chief-chris-magnus-updates-the-mayor-city-council-members-city-manager-and-commu/10153663603758531/ Police Chief magazine
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Pima County AZ Federal Integrated
Fixed Towers
Tohono O’odham Nation Federal agency CBP plants to build 10 intergated fixed tower systems systems across the Tohono O'odham Nation reservation. These towers are 160 feet tall and can monitor every person and vehicle within a 7.5 mile radius. These towers use a TORCH operating system that uses artificial intelligence to see what is recorded on IFTs. Elbit Systems of America https://theintercept.com/2019/08/25/border-patrol-israel-elbit-surveillance/ https://tucson.com/news/local/tohono-o-odham-nation-opposes-border-wall-allows-surveillance-towers/article_171090db-769e-5dd2-9d60-82d7f3fbc745.html
http://inthesetimes.com/article/21903/us-mexico-border-surveillance-tohono-oodham-nation-border-patrol
https://archinect.com/features/article/150049769/assessing-surveillance-infrastructures-of-security-in-the-tohono-o-odham-nation
The Intercept
U.S. Border Patrol: Tucson Secto Pima County AZ Federal Mobile Surveillance Vehicle Tucson Federal agency A Mobile Surveillance Capability (MSC) system consists of radar and cameras mounted 25 feet high on a truck, with a display within the cab of the truck U.S. Border Patrol deploys these trucks in the Tucson sector.   https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf   Government Accountability Office
U.S. Border Patrol: Tucson Secto Pima County AZ Federal Unattended Ground Sensors Tucson Federal agency The U.S. Border Patrol's privacy impact assessment describes unattended ground sensors as "seismic, acoustic, magnetic, and day/night cameras that are used to automatically detect persons or vehicles and transmit activity reports or images via radio frequency or satellite communications." There are 1,118 installed along the border, of which 600 were deployed to the Tucson and Yuma sectors.   https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/privacy-pia-cbp022-bss-september2018.pdf  
Nogales Police Department Santa Cruz County AZ Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
Nogales Police The Nogales Police Department has had Automated License Plate Readers since 2009.   https://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/npd-adds-another-tool-to-its-arsenal/article_c7adb21a-9b1d-5111-b779-12a602a5008a.html   Nogales International
City of Yuma Yuma County AZ Municipal Smart Streetlights Yuma Police In 2019, the City of Yuma began a program to install sensor nodes on 10,000 street lights as part of a "smart city" initiative. In addition to providing public wi-fi, the nodes can capture audio and video. The nodes also have gunshot detection capabalities. The program will be in completed in 2020. Siemens and anyCOMM https://www.yumaaz.gov/city-administration/smart-city-technology.html https://www.kyma.com/news/smart-city-technology-to-hit-yuma/995875827 City of Yuma
U.S. Border Patrol: Yuma Sector Yuma County AZ Federal Mobile Surveillance Vehicle Yuma Federal agency A Mobile Surveillance Capability (MSC) system consists of radar and cameras mounted 25 feet high on a truck, with a display within the cab of the truck U.S. Border Patrol deploys these trucks in the Yuma sector.   https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf   Government Accountability Office
U.S. Border Patrol: Yuma Sector Yuma County AZ Federal Unattended Ground Sensors Yuma Federal agency The U.S. Border Patrol's privacy impact assessment describes unattended ground sensors as "seismic, acoustic, magnetic, and day/night cameras that are used to automatically detect persons or vehicles and transmit activity reports or images via radio frequency or satellite communications." There are 1,118 installed along the border, of which 600 were deployed to the Tucson and Yuma sectors.   https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/privacy-pia-cbp022-bss-september2018.pdf  
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Yuma County AZ Federal Tethered Aerostat Radar System Yuma Federal agency U.S. Customs and Border Protection "Tethered Aerostat Radar Systems" (TARS) are unmanned, unarmed blimps used for surveillance. One of the six aerostats along the U.S.-Mexico border is moored near Yuma, Arizona.   https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/682842.pdf https://www.cbp.gov/frontline/frontline-november-aerostats U.S. Government Accountability Office
Yuma County Sheriff's Office Yuma County AZ County Automated
License Plate
Readers
Yuma Sheriff The Yuma County Sheriff's Office began using Automated License Plate Readers in 2008. The purchase was made through Operation Stonegarden, which provides federal funds to local agencies that assist in border security operations.   http://www.yumacountyaz.gov/home/showdocument?id=2684   Yuma County
Yuma County Sheriff's Office Yuma County AZ County Body-worn Cameras Yuma Sheriff The Yuma County Sheriff's Office implemented a body-worn camera program in 2017. The cameras, manufactured by Visual Labs Inc., also captured GPS data that the agency uses to identify crime "hotspots." Visual Labs Inc. http://yumacountysheriff.net/news/sheriffs-office-implements-body-worn-cameras-for-patrol-and-detentions/   Yuma County Sheriff's Office
Yuma Police Department Yuma County AZ Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
Yuma Police The Yuma Police Department began installing Automated License Plate Readers in vehicles in 2009. The system underwent an upgrade in 2016.   https://www.yumaaz.gov/documents/finance-department/city-of-yumas-annual-budget/COY-Budget-2010-2011.pdf https://www.yumaaz.gov/documents/finance-department/city-of-yumas-annual-budget/COY-Budget-2016-2017.pdf City of Yuma Budget Documents
Yuma Police Department Yuma County AZ Municipal Body-worn Cameras Yuma Police In 2016, the Yuma Police Department received a $105,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to initiate its body-worn camera program, starting with 70 units for patrol officers.   https://www.yumasun.com/news/ypd-gets-funds-for-body-cameras/article_27eb2c94-8514-11e6-a5ca-9b2b9786fedb.html >https://www.ziprecruiter.com/c/City-of-Yuma/Job/Law-Enforcement-Program-Supervisor-Body-Worn-Cameras-Program/-in-Yuma-County,AZ?jid=DO0adcb7187df99f99de06df5f280cbac7
http://kyma.dgt.me/ypd-gets-doj-grant-for-body-cameras/ http://www.yumacountyaz.gov/home/showdocument?id=2684
Yuma Sun
Calexico Police Department Imperial County CA Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
Calexico Police Of the 82 cameras in Calexico's citywide police network, nine are Automated License Plate Readers. Convergint Technologies http://www.calexico.ca.gov/vertical/sites/%7B342ED706-1EBB-4FDE-BD1E-9543BAD44C09%7D/uploads/Council_Agenda_09-20-2017_-_Item_19.pdf   Calexico Police Department
Calexico Police Department Imperial County CA Municipal Body-worn Cameras Calexico Police The Calexico Police Department adopted body-worn cameras in 2016. The department purchased 40 units for its officers.   http://kyma.dgt.me/calexico-police-start-using-body-cams/   KYMA
Calexico Police Department Imperial County CA Municipal Camera
Network
Calexico Police In 2015, the Calexico Police Department began building a citywide network of 82 surveillance cameras. Convergint Technologies http://www.calexico.ca.gov/vertical/sites/%7B342ED706-1EBB-4FDE-BD1E-9543BAD44C09%7D/uploads/Council_Agenda_09-20-2017_-_Item_19.pdf   Calexico Police Department
El Centro Police Department Imperial County CA Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
El Centro Police The El Centro Police Department uses Automated License Plate Readers and retains the data for two years.   http://www.cityofelcentro.org/police/userfiles/El%20Centro%20PD%20ALPR%20Policy.pdf   City of El Centro
El Centro Police Department Imperial County CA Municipal Body-worn Cameras El Centro Police The El Centro Police Department has used body-worn cameras since 2013. Vievu http://www.elcentrochamber.org/news/details/el-centro-police-outfitted-with-body-cameras   El Centro Chamber of Conference
Imperial County Sheriff's Office Imperial County CA County Automated
License Plate
Readers
El Centro Sheriff The Imperial County Sheriff's Office uses Automated License Plate Readers. ALPR data is stored for two years.   http://www.icso.org/assets/media/upload/files/pdf/ICSO_ALPR_POLICY.pdf   Imperial County Sheriffs Office
Imperial County Sheriff's Office Imperial County CA County Body-worn Cameras El Centro Sheriff The Imperial County Sheriff's Office purchased 100 body-worn cameras for $74,770.   https://www.kyma.com/news/sheriffs-office-uses-body-worn-cameras-to-fight-crime/279871731   KYMA
Imperial County Sheriff's Office Imperial County CA County Drones El Centro Sheriff The Imperial County Sheriff's Office launched its drone program in the summer of 2019.   https://www.muckrock.com/foi/imperial-county-3040/california-public-records-request-unmanned-aeriel-vehicles-imperial-county-sheriffs-office-69032/#comms   Aaron Swartz Day Surveillance Project
U.S. Border Patrol: El Centro Sector Imperial County CA Federal Mobile Surveillance Vehicle El Centro Federal agency A Mobile Surveillance Capability (MSC) system consists of radar and cameras mounted 25 feet high on a truck, with a display within the cab of the truck U.S. Border Patrol deploys these trucks in the El Centro sector.   https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf   Government Accountability Office
U.S. Border Patrol: El Centro Sector Imperial County CA Federal Remote Video Surveillance Systems El Centro Federal agency A Remote Video Surveillance System (RVSS) system consists of daylight and infrared cameras mounted on poles, towers, or buildings. A 2018 U.S. Patrol presentation indicates that there are 66 RVSS located in the El Centro sector.   https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6162054-Final-Draft-Industry-Day-Briefing-Charts-IFT.html https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf U.S. Border Patrol
California State University San Marcos Police Department San Diego County CA University Automated
License Plate
Readers
San Marcos Police California State University, San Marcos is using Automated License Plate Readers to enforce parking permits.   https://csusmchronicle.com/18279/opinion/new-parking-system-follows-with-questions-and-concerns/   The Cougar Chronicle
California State University San Marcos Police Department San Diego County CA University Body-worn Cameras San Marcos Police California State University San Marcos Police Department issues Axon body-worn cameras to all uniformed officers. Axon https://www.csusm.edu/police/bodyworncameras/body.worn.camera.faq.pdf   California State University Police Department
Carlsbad Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
Carlsbad Police As of 2018, the Carlsbad Police Department had installed 51 Automated License Plate Readers at 14 intersections. The agency planned to install 35 more ALPR systems in 2019.   https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/sd-no-plate-readers-20180821-story.html http://www.carlsbadca.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=30424 San Diego Union Tribune
Carlsbad Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Body-worn Cameras Carlsbad Police The Carlsbad Police Department launched its body-worn camera program in 2016.   http://www.carlsbadca.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=31239 https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/sd-no-body-cameras-20161031-story.html City of Carlsbad California Website
Carlsbad Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Ring/Neighbors Carlsbad Police The Carlsbad Police Department is able to request footage from residents' doorbell cameras through an agreement with Ring and its Neighbors app. Ring https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/public-safety/five-local-police-agencies-are-partnering-with-doorbell-surveillance-company/   Voice of San Diego
Chula Vista Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
Chula Vista Police The Chula Vista Police Department uses Automated License Plate Readers. Data is maintained for one year.   http://www.chulavistaca.gov/home/showdocument?id=12093   Chula Vista Police Department
Chula Vista Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Camera
Network
Chula Vista Police The Chula Vista Police Department is able to access cameras at public parks and traffic cameras at several main intersections.   https://www.chulavistaca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1836/8221?arch=1    
Chula Vista Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Drones Chula Vista Police The Chula Vista Police Department deploys four types of drones: the DJI Inspire 1, the DJI Mavic Pro, the DJI Phantom 4, and the DJI Matrice M200. In 2019, City of Chula Vista intends to expand its drone program to nine fire stations, where drone operators can use the technology to photograph crime scenes and "locate homeless encampments in difficult terrains." DJI https://www.chulavistaca.gov/departments/police-department/programs/uas-drone-program/our-drone-s   Chula Vista Police Department
Chula Vista Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Ring/Neighbors Chula Vista Police The Chula Vista Police Department is able to request footage from residents' doorbell cameras through an agreement with Ring and its Neighbors app. Ring https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/public-safety/five-local-police-agencies-are-partnering-with-doorbell-surveillance-company/   Voice of San Diego
Coronado Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
Coronado Police The Coronado Police Department has used Automated License Plate Readers since at least 2016. ALPR data is stored for one year.   https://www.coronado.ca.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_746006/File/government/departments/Police%20Services/LPR.pdf   Coronado Police Department
Coronado Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Body-worn Cameras Coronado Police In 2012, the Coronado Police Department became the first law enforcement agency in San Diego County to adopt body-worn cameras.   https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-mini-cameras-cops-wear-new-crime-fighting-tool-2012jan01-story.html   San Diego Union Tribune
El Cajon Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
El Cajon Police The El Cajon Police Department participates in an automated license plate reader program operated by the Automated Regional Justice Information System, a division of the San Diego Association of Governments.   http://www.arjis.org/RegionalPolicies/ARJIS%20LPR%20AUP%20-%20Approved%20-%20Rev150213.pdf https://cdn.muckrock.com/foia_files/2018/08/02/MAASS_PRA_-_POLICE_INFO.pdf ARJIS
El Cajon Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Body-worn Cameras El Cajon Police The El Cajon Police Department launched its body-worn camera program in 2016 with the purchase of 87 Axon cameras for about $160,000. Axon https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/sd-me-body-cameras-20161215-story.html   San Diego Union Tribune
Escondido Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
Escondido Police The Escondido Police Department used both fixed and mobile Automated License Plate Readers.   https://police.escondido.org/Data/Sites/4/media/pdfs/1-62.pdf   Escondido Police Department
Escondido Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Body-worn Cameras Escondido Police The Escondido Police Department has body-worn cameras since 2010. In June 2019, the Escondido City Council approved a 3-year, $405,000 contract with Axon for 166 cameras. Axon https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6383645-escondido06-05-19CCAgendaPacket.html#document/p73 https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6383724-Escondido.html
https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/police-tag/where-every-local-police-agency-stands-on-body-cameras-in-one-map/
Escondido City Council Minutes
Escondido Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Drones Escondido Police The Escondido Police Department established it drone program 2017 and has flown 117 missions using three DJI drones as of June 2019. In 2019, Escondido Police Department received a $41,670 grant to purchase a larger DJI Matrice 210 drone, which is equipped 30-power zoom lens and FLIR thermal imaging. DJI https://www.thecoastnews.com/escondido-to-consider-police-drone-immigration-enforcement-federal-dollars/ https://www.escondido.org/Data/Sites/1/media/agendas/Council/2019/06-05-19CCAgendaPacket.pdf The Coast News
La Mesa Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
La Mesa Police The La Mesa Police Department has used Vigilant Solutions Automated License Plate Readers since 2017. Before that, LMPD used ALPR systems by 3M. Vigilant Solutions https://www.muckrock.com/foi/la-mesa-62/2018-vigilant-data-sharing-information-la-mesa-ca-police-department-48887/#comms   Muckrock
La Mesa Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Body-worn Cameras La Mesa Police The La Mesa Police Department began testing body-worn cameras in 2018. As of September 2019, images posted on Facebook show that officers are indeed wearing BWCs.   https://www.facebook.com/lamesapolicedepartment/photos/a.139743763041488/976299639385892/?type=3&theater https://www.baltimoresun.com/sd-se-lamesa-police-20180329-story.html Facebook
La Mesa Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Ring/Neighbors La Mesa Police The La Mesa Police Department is able to request footage from residents' doorbell cameras through an agreement with Ring and its Neighbors app. Ring https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/public-safety/five-local-police-agencies-are-partnering-with-doorbell-surveillance-company/   Voice of San Diego
National City Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Drones National City Police The National City Police Department launched its drone program in 2018.   https://fox5sandiego.com/2018/07/12/national-city-police-gain-eyes-in-the-sky-with-new-drone-program/   City News Service
Oceanside Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
Oceanside Police The Oceanside Police Department affixes Automated License Plate Readers to some of its patrol vehicles. Data is retained for one year.   https://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=41989   Oceanside Police Department
Oceanside Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Ring/Neighbors Oceanside Police The Oceanside Police Department is able to request footage from residents' doorbell cameras through an agreement with Ring and its Neighbors app. Ring https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/public-safety/five-local-police-agencies-are-partnering-with-doorbell-surveillance-company/   Voice of San Diego
San Diego Association of Governments/Automated Regional Justice Information System San Diego County CA Cross-Jurisdictional Automated
License Plate
Readers
San Diego Task force/other joint agency The Automated Regional Justice Information System (ARJIS), which is a division San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), manages an automated license plate reader program. This program shares ALPR data collected by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department with agencies throughout the region.   http://www.arjis.org/RegionalPolicies/ARJIS%20LPR%20AUP%20-%20Approved%20-%20Rev150213.pdf   Automated Regional Justice Information System
San Diego Association of Governments/Automated Regional Justice Information System San Diego County CA Cross-Jurisdictional Face Recognition San Diego Task force/other joint agency Law enforcement agencies in San Diego County use mobile face recognition technology through a program called the Tactical Identification System (TACIDS). TACIDS is managed by the Automated Regional Justice Information System (ARJIS), which is a division San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). FaceFirst http://www.arjis.org/RegionalPolicies/ARJIS%20Facial%20Recognition%20AUP%20-%20Approved%20-%20Rev150213.pdf https://www.nbcsandiego.com/investigations/Use-of-Facial-Recognition-Software-By-San-Diego-Law-Enforcement-Increasing--378006081.html , https://www.perpetuallineup.org/jurisdiction/san-diego-association-governments Automated Regional Justice Information System
San Diego County Sheriff's Department San Diego County CA County Body-worn Cameras San Diego Sheriff San Diego Sheriff's Department had 1,348 Axon body-worn cameras as of Dec 2018. Axon https://www.muckrock.com/foi/san-diego-county-55/california-public-records-request-body-worn-cameras-san-diego-county-sheriffs-department-66579/#file-766346 https://www.sdsheriff.net/documents/pp/pp-20160321.pdf, https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/sd-me-deputy-cameras-20170718-story.html Aaron Swartz Day Surveillance Project
San Diego County Sheriff's Department San Diego County CA County Drones San Diego Sheriff San Diego County Sheriff's Department had 10 drones as of October 2017, which it used in 70 cases over the previous year.   https://www.govtech.com/public-safety/San-Diego-County-Sheriffs-Department-Expands-Drone-Program.html   San Diego State University Police Department
San Diego County Sheriff's Department San Diego County CA County Ring/Neighbors San Diego Police The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is able to request footage from residents' doorbell cameras through an agreement with Ring and its Neighbors app. Ring https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/public-safety/five-local-police-agencies-are-partnering-with-doorbell-surveillance-company/   Voice of San Diego
San Diego Harbor Police Department San Diego County CA Port Automated
License Plate
Readers
San Diego Police The San Diego Harbor Police uses both fixed and mobile Automated License Plate Readers. Vigilant Solutions/3m https://www.muckrock.com/foi/san-diego-56/california-public-records-request-license-plate-readers-san-diego-harbor-police-department-66881/ https://pantheonstorage.blob.core.windows.net/public-safety/Compliance-with-SB34-Licence-Plate-Recognition-Systems.pdf Aaron Swartz Day Surveillance Project
San Diego Harbor Police Department San Diego County CA Port Drones San Diego Police The San Diego Harbor Police began its unmanned aerial systems program in 2018 with the acquisition of DJI drones. DJI https://www.muckrock.com/foi/san-diego-56/california-public-records-request-unmanned-aeriel-vehicles-san-diego-harbor-police-department-66611/files/   Aaron Swartz Day Surveillance Project
San Diego Law Enforcement Coordination Center San Diego County CA Cross-Jurisdictional Fusion Center San Diego Task force/other joint agency The San Diego Law Enforcement Coordination Center (SDLECC) is one of 79 “fusion centers” nationwide that conducts large scale intelligence analysis and information sharing between local, state, and federal agencies. Gotham software, which was purchased for SDLECC by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department in 2013, currently contains 53-million data “objects."Over the next three years, San Diego County will spend $493,000 on system maintenance. Palantir Technologies https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6360022-San-Diego-Palantir-Docs.html   County of San Diego
San Diego Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
San Diego Police San Diego Police Department has 31 vehicles equipped with Automated
License Plate
Readers.
Vigilant Solutions/3M -1px;">https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4952879-San-Diego-Police-Department-Hit-Ratio-Report-2017.html https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/sb34compliance.pdf, https://cdn.muckrock.com/foia_files/2019/02/15/PRA2019-23420SDPD20LPR20List.pdf, San Diego Police Department
San Diego Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Body-worn Cameras San Diego Police The San Diego Police Department uses Axon body-worn cameras. Axon https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/149.pdf   San Diego Police Department
San Diego Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Camera
Network
San Diego Police The City of San Diego has installed thousands of sensors, including audio and video, on streetlamps throughout the city. Police may access the video within five days of a reported crime. GE/City IQ https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2019-08-04/san-diego-police-ramp-up-use-of-streetlamp-cameras-to-crack-cases-privacy-groups-raise-concerns https://www.sandiego.gov/sustainability/energy-and-water-efficiency/programs-projects/smart-city San Diego State University Police Department
San Diego Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Camera
Network
San Diego Police In 2010, the San Diego Police Department launched "Operation Secure San Diego," a program that encouraged private individuals and businesses to share their live surveillance video feeds directly with police. Although 40 different locations shared their feeds with SDPD, the agency was unable to get the program off the ground due to technical difficulties.   https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/news/with-operation-secure-san-diego-sdpd-is-doing-more-watching-and-less-talking/ ttps://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/police/pdf/operationsecuresd.pdf https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/07/operation-secure-san-diego https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/news/san-diegos-bumbling-big-brother/, https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/07/operation-secure-san-diego https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/news/san-diegos-bumbling-big-brother/, Voice of San Diego
San Diego Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Cell-site Simulators San Diego Police San Diego Police Department has two portable celll-site simulators devices and one that mounts onto a vehicle. Between 2010 and 2016, the devices were used in 26 investigations. Harris Corporation https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/SDPD-Used-Cell-Phone-Tracking-Technology-to-Help-With-26-Investigations-Docs-372691142.html https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/sb741compliance.pdf https://firstamendmentcoalition.org/2016/02/fac-in-cpra-suit-against-san-diego-obtains-previously-secret-records-on-sdpds-use-of-controversial-cell-phone-surveillance-tool/, https://firstamendmentcoalition.org/2016/02/fac-in-cpra-suit-against-san-diego-obtains-previously-secret-records-on-sdpds-use-of-controversial-cell-phone-surveillance-tool/, NBC San Diego
San Diego Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Drones San Diego Police The San Diego Police Department has seven drones: four DJI Phantoms, two DJI Novas, and one DJI Matrice. DJI https://www.muckrock.com/foi/san-diego-56/california-public-records-request-unmanned-aeriel-vehicles-san-diego-police-department-66592/#comms   Aaron Swartz Day Surveillance Project
San Diego Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Gunshot detection San Diego Police The San Diego Police Department installed ShotSpotter gunshot detection systems in Valencia Park, Skyline, O’Farrell and Lincoln Park in 2016. ShotSpotter https://www.govtech.com/public-safety/Gunshot-Detection-System-Goes-Live-in-San-Diego.html   San Diego Union Tribune
San Diego Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Mobile Surveillance Vehicle San Diego Police The TerraHawk Mobile Utility Surveillance Tower (MUST) is a van with an observation compartment on top that can be lifted 25-feet in the air. The San Diego Police Department acquired a MUST for $200,00 in 2011. It is deployed at public events such as San Diego Comic-Con. Terrahawk https://cdn.muckrock.com/outbound_attachments/morisy/40580/PRA20Request20202317-200020Aug20292C202017.pdf   San Diego Police Department
San Diego Police Department San Diego County CA Municipal Surveillance Trailer San Diego Police In 2013, the San Diego Police Department purchased 3 mobile surveillance trailers for $10,434. They are deployed at public events such as San Diego Comic-Con. Absolute Surveillance https://cdn.muckrock.com/outbound_attachments/morisy/40580/PRA20Request20202317-200020Aug20292C202017.pdf   San Diego Police Department
San Diego State University Police Department San Diego County CA University Body-worn Cameras San Diego Police The San Diego State University Police Department uses body-worn cameras. The agency uses the same policy as the rest of the California State University police departments.   http://police.sdsu.edu/documents/Body_Worn_Camera%20Policy.pdf   San Diego State University Police Department
U.S. Border Patrol: San Diego Sector San Diego County CA Federal Integrated
Fixed Towers
San Diego Federal agency An Integrated Fixed Tower System (IFT) consists of radars and cameras mounted on stationary towers. A 2018 U.S. Patrol presentation indicates that 2 IFTs are located in the San Diego sector. Elbit Systems of America https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6162054-Final-Draft-Industry-Day-Briefing-Charts-IFT.html https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf U.S. Border Patrol
U.S. Border Patrol: San Diego Sector San Diego County CA Federal Mobile Surveillance Vehicle San Diego Federal agency A Mobile Surveillance Capability (MSC) system consists of radar and cameras mounted 25 feet high on a truck, with a display within the cab of the truck U.S. Border Patrol deploys these trucks in the San Diego sector.   https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf   Government Accountability Office
U.S. Border Patrol: San Diego Sector San Diego County CA Federal Remote Video Surveillance Systems San Diego Federal agency A Remote Video Surveillance System (RVSS) system consists of daylight and infrared cameras mounted on poles, towers, or buildings. A 2018 U.S. Patrol presentation indicates that there are 41 RVSS located in the San Diego sector.   https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6162054-Final-Draft-Industry-Day-Briefing-Charts-IFT.html https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf U.S. Border Patrol
University of California San Diego Police Department San Diego County CA University Gunshot detection San Diego Police The University of California San Diego Police Department installed ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology on campus in 2017. The initial installation cost $46,000, with a recurring annual fee of $71,000. Shotspotter https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/New-Technology-at-UC-San-Diego-Promises-a-Quick-Emergency-Response--430455973.html   NBC San Diego
Customs and Border Protection San Diego County CA Federal Surveillance Towers San Diego Federal Agency Anduril is currently working on a new "Sentry Tower" pilot program with Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Anduril’s border work was previously limited to a CBP pilot near San Diego and some unofficial testing at a private ranch outside of El Paso, Texas. CBP has acquired 18 more Anduril towers that it plans to deploy in Texas. Anduril https://www.thedailybeast.com/anduril-palmer-luckeys-secretive-defense-company-is-booming-under-trump   Daily Beast
San Diego County Sheriff's Office San Diego County CA County Camera
Network
Lemon Grove Sheriff The San Diego County Sheriff's Office approved a program to install live surveillance cameras in Promenade Park in Lemon Grove that can be monitored from mobile devices. The program is a pilot that may be expanded to other areas. Genetec https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/east-county/story/2019-10-07/lemon-grove-sheriffs-department-rolling-out-pilot-camera-surveillance-program   San Diego Union Tribune
Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office Doña Ana County NM County Automated
License Plate
Readers
Las Cruces Sheriff In May 2017, the Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners approved the $161,000 purchase of three ALPR speed trailers. The trailers are used in school zones and what the county calls “other areas of high public safety interest.”   https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6270672-Dona-Ana-County-BOCC-MAY-23-2017-PACKET.html#document/p383 https://donaanacounty.org/bocc/video/ondemand/372 Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners Agenda
Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office Doña Ana County NM County Body-worn Cameras Las Cruces Sheriff The Doña Ana County Budget for 2018 included $25,022 for body-worn cameras.   https://www.donaanacounty.org/sites/default/files/pages/2018-2019_Final_Budget.pdf   Doña Ana County Government Center Final Budget
Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office Doña Ana County NM County Face Recognition Las Cruces Sheriff The Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Department purchased $50,000 worth of surveillance products from OD Tactical Eyewear USA. This eyewear has audio, visual, and facial recognition technology, according to OD Tactical Eyewear Ltd. The department claims that the eyewear will be used by SWAT officers for high risk warrant search and apprehension of suspects. The department also bought from this company 30 OD Tactical Black Ops Ballistic AntiFog Closed Lenses, and five OD Tactical AnyVision Facial Recognition applications. Although the purchase agreement is dated 2017, it is unclear whether the technology was ever deployed in the field. OD Tactical Eyewear USA https://www.donaanacounty.org/sites/default/files/pages/OD_Tactical_Eyewear_Sole_Source.pdf   Doña Ana County Sheriff's Department
Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office Doña Ana County NM County Iris scanning Las Cruces Sheriff The Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office uses Bi2 Technologies iris scanning devices to document and identify jail inmates. This system was showcased by the company at the Southwest Border Sheriff's Coalition conference in Las Cruces, where the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office accepted a one-camera donation from the company. The sheriff’s office purchased the other camera for $14,000. Bi2 Techonologies https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/dona-ana-county-to-receive-iris-scanning-technology   KFOX14
Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office Doña Ana County NM County Mobile Surveillance Vehicle Las Cruces Sheriff In 2013, the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Department purchased pick-up truck-mounted camera systems called “Freedom On-The-Move” from the Strongwatch Corporation. In 2016, the sheriff approved a $138,750 upgrade that included outfitting the systems with thermal imaging. According to the contracting documents, the sheriff uses the technology in responding to bomb threats, missing person cases, and for border security projects. Strong Watch Corporation https://donaanacounty.org/sites/default/files/pages/SoleSource_StrongwatchCorp.pdf   Doña Ana County Sheriff's Department
Las Cruces Police Department Doña Ana County NM Municipal Body-worn Cameras Las Cruces Police In 2015, the Las Cruces Police Department spent $320,000 on 72 Axon Flex cameras. Axon https://www.abqjournal.com/564857/las-cruces-police-officers-to-be-outfitted-with-body-cameras.html   Albuquerque Journal
New Mexico State University Police Department Doña Ana County NM Municipal Drones Las Cruces Police NMSU Police DEpartment's drone program has been running since 2017 and is used to investigate serious crashes, for search and rescue operations, and to monitor traffic conditions.   https://www.facebook.com/NMSUPolice/posts/a-big-thank-you-to-aaron-lopez-eagle-scout-candidate-from-troop-64-for-designing/2562328923798230/   NMSU Police Facebook
Sunland Park Police Department Doña Ana County NM Municipal Body-worn Cameras Sunland Park Police The Sunland Park City Council approved the purchase of 25 body-worn cameras for the police department for $23,425, with plans to seek reimbursement from the New Mexico Municipal League.   https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/sunland-park-police-officers-will-soon-gear-up-with-body-cams-01-20-2016   KFOX14
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Luna County NM Federal Tethered Aerostat Radar System Deming Federal agency U.S. Customs and Border Protection "Tethered Aerostat Radar Systems" (TARS) are unmanned, unarmed blimps used for surveillance. One of the six aerostats along the U.S.-Mexico border is moored near Deming, New Mexico.   https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/682842.pdf https://www.cbp.gov/frontline/frontline-november-aerostats U.S. Government Accountability Office
Brewster County Sheriff's Office Brewster County TX County Drones Alpine Sheriff The Brewster County Sheriff's Office uses a DJI drone for search and rescue operations, crash investigations, and other "direct action investigations." However, the Sheriff says the drone will not be used for routine patrol or surveillance activities. It was donated by the local American Legion chapter. DJI http://archives.etypeservices.com/Bigbend1/Magazine252556/Publication/Magazine252556.pdf https://www.facebook.com/brewstercountytx/posts/sheriff-dodson-and-sergeant-roach-were-on-hand-monday-night-to-receive-a-dji-dro/2231689296855470/ The Big Bend Sentinel
Brewster County Sheriff's Office Brewster County TX County Mobile Surveillance Vehicle Alpine Sheriff The TerraHawk Mobile Utility Surveillance Tower (MUST) is a van with an observation compartment on top that can be lifted 25-feet in the air. Brewster County is one of at least five counties along the Texas border deployed the vehicles as of 2012. Terrahawk https://bstc.ati.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/9_TerraHawk-LLC.pdf   Terrahawk
Brownsville Fire Department Cameron County TX Municipal Drones Brownsville Fire Department/Emergency Services The Brownsville Fire Department acquired a drone in 2017 and has used it in operations involving the police department.   >http://web.archive.org/web/20190820225815/https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/brownsville-fire-department-adopts-drone-technology/article_c53f5a60-db9f-11e6-b6d3-4bfa5c3c142b.html   The Brownsville Herald
Brownsville Police Department Cameron County TX Municipal Body-worn Cameras Brownsville Police The Brownsville City Commission approved a 5-year contract worth $671,319.34 for 140 body-worn cameras. Axon http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/brownsvilleherald.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/d3/9d354d0e-3a51-11e5-8e20-ebebb018bc50/55c025980f2bb.pdf.pdf https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6377278-Brownsville-BWC.html City Commission of the City of Brownsville
Brownsville Police Department Cameron County TX Municipal Camera
Network
Brownsville Police In 2018, the Brownsville City Commission approved a $498,000 project to install 40 camera systems in the Main Street district. Each system has streams live and includes a 360-degree camera and a pan-tilt-zoom camera. Xtreme Security https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/commissioners-approve-k-downtown-security-camera-contract/article_69024b83-fab4-5856-abed-9842f6d4a62d.html https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6377279-Brownsville-Request-for-Proposal-Downtown.html The Brownsville Herald
Brownsville Police Department/Brownsville Department of Public Health Cameron County TX Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers/Camera
Network
Brownsville Police The Brownsville Department of Public Health and Brownsville Police Department purchased $118,642.70 worth of security cameras to prevent illegal dumping. These camera include automated license plate recognition technology. Wireless CCTV https://www.cob.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/567?fileID=9397 https://www.cob.us/1893/Surveillance-Cameras City of Brownsville
Cameron County Sheriff's Office Cameron County TX County Body-worn Cameras Olmito Sheriff Various Cameron County Constables precincts have adopted body-worn cameras.   https://valleycentral.com/news/local/cameron-county-constable-precinct-5-to-purchase-body-cams-with-forfeiture-funds https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/constables-office-seeks-body-cameras/article_b76bb03e-8045-11e5-8973-ff4d102d975a.html Valley Central
Cameron County Sheriff's Office Cameron County TX County Iris scanning Brownsville Sheriff The Cameron County Sheriff's Office uses iris scanning technology in the county jail to scan and identify inmates. The "Inmate Recognition Identification System" system is part of a broader project coordinated by the Southwestern Border Sheriff’s Coalition. Bi2 Techonologies https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/premium/county-implements-new-iris-identification-system/article_57254382-71ae-11e7-8e60-935585834976.html https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/premium/sheriff-s-iris-scanning-system-should-be-operational-by-april/article_222a5426-1e5f-11e7-8d26-6b9ec8cf9b19.html The Brownsville Herald
Laguna Vista Police Department Cameron County TX Municipal Body-worn Cameras Laguna Vista Police Laguna Vista police officers now have eight Axon body-worn cameras due to a $10,172 grant. Axon https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2015/02/06/officers-to-wear-body-cameras/   Port Isabel Press
South Padre Island Police Department Cameron County TX Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
South Padre Island Police The South Padre Island Police Department has installed automated license plate reader cameras on either side of the Queen Isabella Causeway bridge.   https://www.krgv.com/news/spi-police-to-use-license-plate-readers-at-causeway-entrances/   KRGV
South Padre Island Police Department Cameron County TX Municipal Body-worn Cameras South Padre Island Police The South Padre Island uses body-worn cameras, according to March 2018 press release.   https://www.myspi.org/egov/documents/1519937313_36409.pdf   South Padres Island
South Padre Island Police Department Cameron County TX Municipal Drones South Padre Island Police The South Padre Island Police Department deploys Yuneec Typhoon Q500 drones with high-resolution cameras. These drones are mainly used to monitor big crowds during school breaks at beaches, but they can be used for other tasks like helping with fires, or dropping off life jackets to people. Yuneec https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2016/03/09/the-latest-policing-tool-to-monitor-rowdy-spring-breakers-drones/?noredirect=on https://www.portisabelsouthpadre.com/2016/02/05/city-approves-drone-program/ The Washington Post
Texas Department of Public Safety Cameron County TX Statewide Spy Plane Brownsville State agency As part of a program called Operation Secure Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has spent more than $15 million on two high altitude surveillance planes that flight at more than two miles above the Earth. The Texas Observer found that from January 2015 to July 2017 DPS flew these planes above Cameron County at least 10 times.   https://www.texasobserver.org/tracking-dps-across-the-sky/ https://www.texasobserver.org/planes/ Texas Observer
Drug Enforcement Administration El Paso County TX Federal Cell-site Simulators El Paso Federal agency According to records obtained by the ACLU, the Drug Enforcement Administration El Paso Division purchased $412,871 in cell-site simulator equipment from Harris Corporation in 2013, "including upgrading three Stingray I and Stingray II cell site simulators used by its El Paso and Albuquerque offices to the newer Hailstorm model." Harris Corp. https://www.aclu.org/blog/privacy-technology/surveillance-technologies/aclu-releases-new-foia-documents-aerial-cell-phone   ACLU
Drug Enforcement Administration: El Paso Intelligence Center El Paso County TX Federal Automated
License Plate
Readers
El Paso Federal agency The Drug Enforcement Administration operates Automated License Plate Readers across California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. According to document obtained by the ACLU, "any federal, state, or local law enforcement agent vetted by the DEA’s El Paso Intelligence Center can conduct queries of the database." EPIC also operates a 24-hour "LPR Watch." As of 2015, the DEA's system includes 53 fixed cameras, 24 barrel cameras, and 47 license plate reader trailers distributed in 12 locations in East Texas, 21 location in West Texas and New Mexico, 6 locations in Arizona, and 6 locations in California.   https://www.aclu.org/blog/free-future/foia-documents-reveal-massive-dea-program-record-americans-whereabouts-license   ACLU
El Paso County Sheriff's Office El Paso County TX County Body-worn Cameras El Paso Sheriff As of 2017, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office had 250 body-worn cameras. Axon https://www.govtech.com/public-safety/Police-Union-Pushes-Back-on-Body-Cameras-in-El-Paso-Texas.html https://cbs4local.com/news/local/law-enforcement-body-cameras-to-provide-better-accountability El Paso Times
El Paso County Sheriff's Office El Paso County TX County Iris scanning El Paso Sheriff The El Paso County Sheriff's Office uses Bi2 Technologies iris scanning devices to document and identify jail inmates. Bi2 Techonologies https://www.kvia.com/news/el-paso/sheriffs-office-unveils-iris-scanner-for-inmates/545881235   KVIA
El Paso ISD Police Department El Paso County TX School District Body-worn Cameras El Paso Police As of December 2015, the El Paso Independent School District equipped all 43 of its officers with body-worn cameras.   https://www.govtech.com/data/School-District-Police-Body-Cameras-Requires-Delicate-Balance.html   El Paso Times
El Paso Police Department El Paso County TX County Fusion Center El Paso Police The Multi Agency Tactical Response Information eXchange (MATRIX) is the regional fusion center based in El Paso. It coordinates intelligence and records sharing across 20 public safety agencies in El Paso County and Doña Ana County.   https://www.elpasotexas.gov/police-department/fusion-center   El Paso Police Department
El Paso Police Department El Paso County TX Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers/
Surveillance Trailer
El Paso Police According to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute: "The El Paso Police Department has used ALPR since 2006, and currently operates 23 mobile units with ALPR.  Besides the mobile units, the El Paso Police also own six ALPR‐equipped trailers that can be parked alongside a roadway. The trailers include a radar system and 'your speed is' display that faces approaching traffic, while the ALPR camera is positioned on the opposite side to read rear license plates as vehicles pass it."  Skycop https://static.tti.tamu.edu/tti.tamu.edu/documents/TTI-2012-7.pdf http://legacy.elpasotexas.gov/muni_clerk/agenda/06-23-09/06230909B.pdf Texas A&M Transportation Institute
El Paso Police Department El Paso County TX Municipal Body-worn Cameras El Paso Police The El Paso Police Department has 34 body-worn cameras: 17 cameras are worn by crisis intervention team, 17 cameras are worn by the DWI Task Force. WatchGuard https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6379743-El-Paso-Police-BWC.html   El Paso Police Department
El Paso Police Department El Paso County TX Municipal Camera Registry El Paso Police The El Paso Police Department encourages residents to register their private surveillance cameras with the city.   https://www.elpasotexas.gov/police-department/community-policing/camera-registration   El Paso Police Department
El Paso Police Department El Paso County TX Municipal Drones El Paso Police As of 2018, the El Paso Police Department's Unmanned Aerial System Unit had four certified pilots and four drones.   >https://www.elpasotexas.gov/~/media/files/coep/police%20department/annual%20reports/2018%20annual%20report_/2018%20annual%20report_.ashx?la=en   El Paso Police Department
Horizon City Police Department El Paso County TX Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
Horizon City Police According to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute: "Horizon City has one ALPR‐equipped patrol car in its 20‐vehicle police fleet." License plate scans are shared with the El Paso Police Department's ALPR database.   https://static.tti.tamu.edu/tti.tamu.edu/documents/TTI-2012-7.pdf   Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Horizon City Police Department El Paso County TX Municipal Body-worn Cameras Horizon City Police The Horizon City Police Department began its body-worn camera program in around 2012.   https://www.govtech.com/public-safety/Police-Union-Pushes-Back-on-Body-Cameras-in-El-Paso-Texas.html   El Paso Times
Texas Department of Public Safety El Paso County TX Statewide Spy Plane El Paso State As part of a program called Operation Secure Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has spent more than $15 million on two high altitude surveillance planes that flight at more than two miles above the Earth. The Texas Observer found that from January 2015 to July 2017 DPS flew these planes above El Paso County at least six times for purposes such as patroling the border and to transfer an inmate accused of murder.   https://www.texasobserver.org/tracking-dps-across-the-sky/ https://www.texasobserver.org/planes/ Texas Observer
U.S. Border Patrol: El Paso Sector El Paso County TX Federal Integrated
Fixed Towers
El Paso Federal agency An Integrated Fixed Tower System (IFT) consists of radars and cameras mounted on stationary towers. A 2018 U.S. Patrol presentation indicates that 28 IFTs are located in the El Paso sector, which includes all of New Mexico. Elbit Systems of America https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6162054-Final-Draft-Industry-Day-Briefing-Charts-IFT.html https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf U.S. Border Patrol
U.S. Border Patrol: El Paso Sector El Paso County TX Federal Mobile Surveillance Vehicle El Paso Federal agency A Mobile Surveillance Capability (MSC) system consists of radar and cameras mounted 25 feet high on a truck, with a display within the cab of the truck U.S. Border Patrol deploys these trucks in the El Paso sector, which includes all of New Mexico.   https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf   Government Accountability Office
U.S. Border Patrol: El Paso Sector El Paso County TX Federal Remote Video Surveillance Systems El Paso Federal agency A Remote Video Surveillance System (RVSS) system consists of daylight and infrared cameras mounted on poles, towers, or buildings. A 2018 U.S. Patrol presentation indicates that there are 69 RVSS located in the El Paso sector, which includes all of New Mexico.   https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6162054-Final-Draft-Industry-Day-Briefing-Charts-IFT.html https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf U.S. Border Patrol
Customs and Border Protection El Paso County TX Federal Surveillance Towers El Paso Federal Agency Anduril is currently working on a new "Sentry Tower" pilot program with Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The San Diego program began with only four towers in the agency’s San Diego Sector and expanded over time to 14. Anduril https://www.thedailybeast.com/anduril-palmer-luckeys-secretive-defense-company-is-booming-under-trump   Daily Beast
Alamo Police Department Hidalgo County TX Municipal Body-worn Cameras Alamo Police Alamo Police Department received a $13,142 federal grant for body-worn cameras in 2016. As of 2019, APD personnel continued to received training on BWCs. Axon http://www.lrgvdc.org/downloads/policedpt/Alamo%20PD%20Training%20Schedule.pdf https://external.ojp.usdoj.gov/selector/awardDetail?awardNumber=2016-DJ-BX-0190&fiscalYear=2016&applicationNumber=2016-H3736-TX-DJ&programOffice=BJA&po=All, https://web.archive.org/web/20191202174229/https://external.ojp.usdoj.gov/selector/awardDetail?awardNumber=2016-DJ-BX-0190&fiscalYear=2016&applicationNumber=2016-H3736-TX-DJ&programOffice=BJA&po=All, Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council
Edinburg Police Department Hidalgo County TX Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
Edinburg Police EPD collects, shares and access ALPR data through Vigilant Solutions. In 2017, the agency collected 87,000 license plate scans. EPD's Skycop surveillance trailers also function as Automated License Plate Readers. Vigilant Solutions https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4559398-Edinburgh-Police-Department-HIt-Ratio-Report-2017.html http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4502417-Data-Sharing-Report-Edinburgh-Police-Department.html , http://agenda.hidalgocounty.us/docs/2018/CC/20180814_3169/65922_OPSG%20OO%20Texas%20Hidalgo%20FY16%20Frago%2017-RGVRGV-11-006%20V1%20%281%29.pdf, EFF
Edinburg Police Department Hidalgo County TX Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers/
Surveillance Trailer
Edinburg Police Through Operation Stonegarden, the Edinburg Police Department purchased one FLIR SkyCop (thermal vision) surveillance trailer for $69,584.30. In addition to video and audio, the cameras also function as Automated License Plate Readers. Skycop >http://agenda.hidalgocounty.us/docs/2018/CC/20180814_3169/65922_OPSG%20OO%20Texas%20Hidalgo%20FY16%20Frago%2017-RGVRGV-11-006%20V1%20%281%29.pdf   Hidalgo County Meeting Minutes
Edinburg Police Department Hidalgo County TX Municipal Body-worn Cameras Edinburg Police The Edinburg Police Department began its body-worn camera program in 2016, but had to replace its 17 cameras in 2017 due to battery life issues. Coban https://valleycentral.com/news/local/edinburg-police-department-plans-to-replace-body-cameras-after-battery-problem   Valley Central
Hidalgo County Constables Hidalgo County TX County Camera
Network
Pharr Sheriff Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Constables have installed a camera system in the Lower Rio Grande Valley to crack down on illegal dumping.   https://www.kveo.com/news/local-news/hidalgo-county-cracking-down-on-illegal-dumping-with-surveillance-cameras/645465092   KVEO
Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office Hidalgo County TX County Automated
License Plate
Readers
Edinburg Sheriff The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office purchased 10 mobile automate license plate reader systems for $137,000 Vigilant Solutions http://agenda.hidalgocounty.us:8085/agenda_publish.cfm?id=0&mt=ALL&get_month=6&get_year=2019&dsp=min&seq=3330 https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6379899-Hidalgo-County-SO-Vigialnt-70539-Quote.html Hidalgo County meeting minutes
Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office Hidalgo County TX County Automated
License Plate
Readers/
Surveillance Trailer
Edinburg Sheriff Through Operation Stonegarden, the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office purchased two SkyCop surveillance trailers for $235,000. In addition to video and audio, the cameras also function as Automated License Plate Readers. SkyCop >http://agenda.hidalgocounty.us/docs/2018/CC/20180814_3169/65922_OPSG%20OO%20Texas%20Hidalgo%20FY16%20Frago%2017-RGVRGV-11-006%20V1%20%281%29.pdf   Hidalgo County Meeting Minutes
Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office Hidalgo County TX County Camera
Network
Edinburg Sheriff Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office operates eight mobile Sky Towers, which each contain multiple cameras that can live stream.   https://www.wcctv.com/case-studies/hidalgo-county-sheriffs-office/   WCCTV
Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office Hidalgo County TX County Drones Edinburg Sheriff As of 2019, the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office had six officers and investigators applying for drone pilot licenses.   https://valleycentral.com/news/local/hidlago-county-sheriffs-office-adding-drones-to-policing   Valley Central
Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office Hidalgo County TX County Iris scanning Edinburg Sheriff The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office uses Bi2 Technologies iris scanning devices to document and identify jail inmates. Bi2 Techonologies https://www.kveo.com/news/local-news/sheriffs-office-implements-biometric-technologies-to-identify-offenders/1066123820 https://valleycentral.com/news/local/hidalgo-county-sheriffs-office-implements-biometric-technology-to-help-identify-criminals KVEO
Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office Hidalgo County TX County Pole Cameras Edinburg Sheriff Through Operation Stone Garden, the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office purchased two pole cameras for $4,000.   >http://agenda.hidalgocounty.us/docs/2018/CC/20180814_3169/65922_OPSG%20OO%20Texas%20Hidalgo%20FY16%20Frago%2017-RGVRGV-11-006%20V1%20%281%29.pdf   Hidalgo County Meeting Minutes
Hidalgo Police Department Hidalgo County TX Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers/
Surveillance Trailer
Hidalgo Police Through Operation Stonegarden, the Hidalgo Police Department purchased one SkyCop surveillance trailers for $79,000. In addition to video and audio, the cameras also function as Automated License Plate Readers. Skycop >http://agenda.hidalgocounty.us/docs/2018/CC/20180814_3169/65922_OPSG%20OO%20Texas%20Hidalgo%20FY16%20Frago%2017-RGVRGV-11-006%20V1%20%281%29.pdf   Hidalgo County Meeting Minutes
McAllen Police Department Hidalgo County TX Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
McAllen Police The City of McAllen installed 100 cameras in public parks and downtown areas. The cameras are capable of automated license plate recognition. Wi4net https://psc.apcointl.org/2010/08/24/city-of-mcallen-implements-citywide-surveillance-camera-system/   PSC Online
McAllen Police Department Hidalgo County TX Municipal Camera
Network
McAllen Police The City of McAllen installed 100 cameras in public parks and downtown areas. The cameras are capable of automated license plate recognition. Wi4net https://psc.apcointl.org/2010/08/24/city-of-mcallen-implements-citywide-surveillance-camera-system/   PSC Online
McAllen Police Department Hidalgo County TX Municipal Camera
Network
McAllen Police The new Tres Lagos "smart home" neighborhood has a extensive Camera
Network that is monitored by the McAllen Police Department. Residents also have the ability to monitor "entrances, streets, sidewalks, driveways, parks, and common areas."
  https://www.mcallen.net/news/item/2016/03/08/tres-lagos-breaks-ground-on-2-500-acre-master-planned-community-in-mcallen   City of McAllen
Pharr Police Department Hidalgo County TX Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers/
Surveillance Trailer
Pharr Police Through Operation Stonegarden, the Pharr Police Department purchased two SkyCop surveillance trailers for $110,500. In addition to video and audio, the cameras also function as Automated License Plate Readers. Skycop >http://agenda.hidalgocounty.us/docs/2018/CC/20180814_3169/65922_OPSG%20OO%20Texas%20Hidalgo%20FY16%20Frago%2017-RGVRGV-11-006%20V1%20%281%29.pdf   Hidalgo County Meeting Minutes
Pharr Police Department Hidalgo County TX Municipal Body-worn Cameras Pharr Police The Pharr Police Department outfitted all its officers with body-worn cameras in November 2016.   https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/valley/pharr-pd-to-begin-wearing-cameras/article_544819c8-a6fc-11e6-ae0c-2f71859096e4.html   The Brownsville Herald
Texas Department of Public Safety Hidalgo County TX Statewide Predictive Policing McAllen State agency Serving counties along the Texas-Mexico border, the Texas Transnational Intelligence Center (TTIC) is a data center that does predictive intelligence analysis related to transnational crime.   https://www.dps.texas.gov/administration/crime_records/pages/ttic.htm https://www.kveo.com/news/local-news/groundbreaking-for-anti-gang-unit-in-mcallen/, https://web.archive.org/web/20200109183039/https://www.kveo.com/news/local-news/groundbreaking-for-anti-gang-unit-in-mcallen/, https://www.dps.texas.gov/administration/crime_records/pages/tticPrivacyPolicy.pdf Texas Department of Public Safety
Texas Department of Public Safety Hidalgo County TX Statewide Spy Plane Mission State agency As part of a program called Operation Secure Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has spent more than $15 million on two high altitude surveillance planes that flight at more than two miles above the Earth. The Texas Observer found that from January 2015 to July 2017, "the planes flew over the city of Mission in Hidalgo County, home to the National Butterfly Center, 96 times."   https://www.texasobserver.org/tracking-dps-across-the-sky/ https://www.texasobserver.org/planes/ Texas Observer
U.S. Border Patrol: McAllen Station Hidalgo County TX Federal Tactical
Aerostat
McAllen Federal agency U.S. Border Patrol deploys six "Tactical Aerostat" systems in Texas, with two stationed near its McAllen Station. These surveillance balloons are similar to CBP's TARS system, except they are relocatable. The systems include radar surveillance equipment and infrared and high-resolution cameras   https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/682842.pdf https://www.cbp.gov/frontline/frontline-november-aerostats U.S. Government Accountability Office
U.S. Border Patrol: Weslaco Station Hidalgo County TX Federal Tactical
Aerostat
Weslaco Federal agency U.S. Border Patrol deploys six "Tactical Aerostat" systems in Texas, with one stationed near its Weslaco Station. These surveillance balloons are similar to CBP's TARS system, except they are relocatable. The systems include radar surveillance equipment and infrared and high-resolution cameras   https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/682842.pdf https://www.cbp.gov/frontline/frontline-november-aerostats U.S. Government Accountability Office
Mission Police Department Hidalgo County TX Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
Mission Police In 2016, the Mission Police Department received a $60,540 grant from the Texas Governor's Office to purchase Automated License Plate Readers. A 2017 budget report confirmed the implementation of two ALPR systems for MPD's patrol bureau.   https://missiontexas.us/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/MINUTES-9-26-16-COMPLETED-1.pdf   Mission City Council
Mission Police Department Hidalgo County TX Municipal Body-worn Cameras Mission Police The Mission Police Department purchased 158 body-worn cameras in 2017 for $193,430, with the bulk of the funding coming from the Texas Governor's office.   https://missiontexas.us/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/MINUTES-05-08-17-COMPLETED.pdf https://missiontexas.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1-MINUTES-05-29-19.pdf, https://web.archive.org/web/20191011170140/https://missiontexas.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/1-MINUTES-05-29-19.pdf, https://missiontexas.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/FY2017-2018-Budget.pdf Mission City Council
Mission Police Department Hidalgo County TX Municipal Drones Mission Police Budget documents disclosed that the Mission Police Department purchased a drone system and trained pilots in 2017.   https://missiontexas.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/FY2017-2018-Budget.pdf https://missiontexas.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/FY2017-2018-Budget.pdf, https://web.archive.org/web/20191202172335/https://missiontexas.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/FY2017-2018-Budget.pdf Mission City Council
San Juan Police Department Hidalgo County TX Municipal Body-worn Cameras San Juan Police As of 2015, the San Juan Police Department requires all officers to wear a body-worn cameras.   https://valleycentral.com/news/local/san-juan-pd-requires-all-officers-to-wear-body-cameras   Valley Central
Weslaco Police Department Hidalgo County TX Municipal Body-worn Cameras Weslaco Police With a $9,988 grant from the Texas Governor's office, the Weslaco Police Department purchased two WatchGuard body-worn camera systems for motorcycle police officers in 2018. WatchGuard https://weslacotx.civicclerk.com/Web/GenFile.aspx?ad=3693   Weslaco City Council
Texas Department of Public Safety Hudspeth County TX Statewide Spy Plane Fort Hancock State agency As part of a program called Operation Secure Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has spent more than $15 million on two high altitude surveillance planes that flight at more than two miles above the Earth. The Texas Observer found that from January 2015 to July 2017 DPS flew these planes above Hudspeth County at least six times.   https://www.texasobserver.org/tracking-dps-across-the-sky/ https://www.texasobserver.org/planes/ Texas Observer
Jeff Davis County Sheriff's Office Jeff Davis County TX County Mobile Surveillance Vehicle Fort Davis Sheriff The TerraHawk Mobile Utility Surveillance Tower (MUST) is a van with an observation compartment on top that can be lifted 25-feet in the air. Jeff Davis County is one of least five counties along the Texas border deployed the vehicles as of 2012. Terrahawk https://bstc.ati.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/9_TerraHawk-LLC.pdf   Terrahawk
Kinney County Commissioners Court Kinney County TX County Body-worn Cameras Bracketville Sheriff The Kinney County Commissioners Court approved a body-worn camera program, contingent on funding from the Texas governor's office.   https://cokinneytx.civicweb.net/document/4213#page=60&zoom=100,0,0   Kinney County Commissioners Court
Eagle Pass Police Department Maverick County TX Municipal Body-worn Cameras Eagle Pass Police The Eagle Pass Police Department received a grant to purchase 41 body-worn cameras.   www.thenewsgramonline.dyndns.org:81/index.php/component/k2/item/9066-city-approves-eppd-body-cameras https://www.facebook.com/OfficialCityEaglePassTexas/posts/1769214133154945 The News Gram
Maverick County Sheriff’s Department Maverick County TX County Body-worn Cameras Eagle Pass Sheriff The Maverick County Sheriff's Office launched its body-worn camera program in 2017.   http://www.epbusinessjournal.com/2017/03/maverick-county-sheriffs-department-to-wear-body-cameras/ http://www.epbusinessjournal.com/2015/12/maverick-county-sheriffs-department-to-apply-for-body-cameras-grant/ Eagle Pass Business Journal
U.S. Border Patrol: Del Rio Sector Maverick County TX Federal Integrated
Fixed Towers
Del Rio Federal agency An Integrated Fixed Tower System (IFT) consists of radars and cameras mounted on stationary towers. A 2018 U.S. Patrol presentation indicates that two IFTs are located in the Del Rio sector. Elbit Systems of America https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6162054-Final-Draft-Industry-Day-Briefing-Charts-IFT.html https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf U.S. Border Patrol
U.S. Border Patrol: Del Rio Sector Maverick County TX Federal Mobile Surveillance Vehicle Del Rio Federal agency A Mobile Surveillance Capability (MSC) system consists of radar and cameras mounted 25 feet high on a truck, with a display within the cab of the truck U.S. Border Patrol deploys these trucks in the Del Rio sector.   https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf   Government Accountability Office
U.S. Border Patrol: Del Rio Sector Maverick County TX Federal Remote Video Surveillance Systems Del Rio Federal agency A Remote Video Surveillance System (RVSS) system consists of daylight and infrared cameras mounted on poles, towers, or buildings. A 2018 U.S. Patrol presentation indicates that there are 67 RVSS located in the Del Rio sector.   https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6162054-Final-Draft-Industry-Day-Briefing-Charts-IFT.html https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf U.S. Border Patrol
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Maverick County TX Federal Tethered Aerostat Radar System Eagle Pass Federal agency U.S. Customs and Border Protection "Tethered Aerostat Radar Systems" (TARS) are unmanned, unarmed blimps used for surveillance. One of the six aerostats along the U.S.-Mexico border is moored near Eagle Pass, Texas.   https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/682842.pdf https://www.cbp.gov/frontline/frontline-november-aerostats U.S. Government Accountability Office
U.S. Border Patrol: Big Bend Sector Presidio County TX Federal Mobile Surveillance Vehicle Marfa Federal agency A Mobile Surveillance Capability (MSC) system consists of radar and cameras mounted 25 feet high on a truck, with a display within the cab of the truck U.S. Border Patrol deploys these trucks in the Big Bend sector.   https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf   Government Accountability Office
U.S. Border Patrol: Big Bend Sector Presidio County TX Federal Remote Video Surveillance Systems Marfa Federal agency A Remote Video Surveillance System (RVSS) system consists of daylight and infrared cameras mounted on poles, towers, or buildings. A 2018 U.S. Patrol presentation indicates that there are 4 RVSS located in the El Centro sector.   https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6162054-Final-Draft-Industry-Day-Briefing-Charts-IFT.html https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf U.S. Border Patrol
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Presidio County TX Federal Tethered Aerostat Radar System Marfa Federal agency U.S. Customs and Border Protection "Tethered Aerostat Radar Systems" (TARS) are unmanned, unarmed blimps used for surveillance. One of the six aerostats along the U.S.-Mexico border is moored near Marfa, Texas.   https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/682842.pdf https://www.cbp.gov/frontline/frontline-november-aerostats U.S. Government Accountability Office
Rio Grande City Police Department Starr County TX Municipal Body-worn Cameras Rio Grande Police The Rio Grande City Police Department has been using body-worn cameras since November 2013.   http://periodicoenlacergv.com/rio-grande-city-pd-officers-equipped-with-wearable-hd-cameras/   Enlace
Starr County Sheriff’s Office Starr County TX County Automated
License Plate
Readers
Rio Grande City Sheriff The Starr County Sheriff's Officer received federal funding as far back as 2009 to purchase Automated License Plate Readers.   https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/field_document/Starr_County.2009.pdf https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/field_document/BJA_ALPR_grants_(1).pdf ACLU
Texas Department of Public Safety Starr County TX Statewide Spy Plane Rio Grande City State agency As part of a program called Operation Secure Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has spent more than $15 million on two high altitude surveillance planes that flight at more than two miles above the Earth. The Texas Observer found that from January 2015 to July 2017, "spy planes flew over Rio Grande City 357 times, making the border town of some 14,500 inhabitants the most watched city in Texas."   https://www.texasobserver.org/tracking-dps-across-the-sky/ https://www.texasobserver.org/planes/ Texas Observer
U.S. Border Patrol: Rio Grand Valley Sector Starr County TX Federal Integrated
Fixed Towers
Rio Grande Valley Federal agency An Integrated Fixed Tower System (IFT) consists of radars and cameras mounted on stationary towers. A 2018 U.S. Patrol presentation indicates that one IFT is located in the Rio Grande Valley sector. Elbit Systems of America https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6162054-Final-Draft-Industry-Day-Briefing-Charts-IFT.html https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf U.S. Border Patrol
U.S. Border Patrol: Rio Grand Valley Sector Starr County TX Federal Remote Video Surveillance Systems Rio Grande Valley Federal agency A Remote Video Surveillance System (RVSS) system consists of daylight and infrared cameras mounted on poles, towers, or buildings. A 2018 U.S. Patrol presentation indicates that there are 83 RVSS located in the Rio Grande Valley sector.   https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6162054-Final-Draft-Industry-Day-Briefing-Charts-IFT.html https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf U.S. Border Patrol
U.S. Border Patrol: Rio Grande City Station Starr County TX Federal Tactical
Aerostat
Rio Grande City Federal agency U.S. Border Patrol deploys six "Tactical
Aerostat" systems in Texas, with one stationed near its Rio Grande City Station. These surveillance balloons are similar to CBP's TARS system, except they are relocatable. The systems include radar surveillance equipment and infrared and high-resolution cameras
  https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/682842.pdf https://www.cbp.gov/frontline/frontline-november-aerostats U.S. Government Accountability Office
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Starr County TX Federal Tethered Aerostat Radar System Rio Grande City Federal agency U.S. Customs and Border Protection "Tethered Aerostat Radar Systems" (TARS) are unmanned, unarmed blimps used for surveillance. One of the six aerostats along the U.S.-Mexico border is moored near Rio Grande City, Texas.   https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/682842.pdf https://www.cbp.gov/frontline/frontline-november-aerostats U.S. Government Accountability Office
Terrell County Sheriff's Office Terrell County TX County Body-worn Cameras Sanderson Sheriff A job posting for sheriff's deputy positions indicates all deputies are issued Digital Ally-brand body-worn cameras. Digital Ally https://www.sheriffstx.org/m-news_view?id=57   Sheriff's Association of Texas
Texas Department of Public Safety Travis County TX Statewide Camera
Network
Austin State agency The Texas Department of Public Safety has installed hundreds of cameras in border areas through a program called Operation Drawbridge. The $300 cameras are designed for capturing wildlife, but have been repurposed to photograph human movements. The low-light capable, motion-triggered cameras are monitored around the clock by the Texas Fusion Center, the Texas Border Security Operations Center, DPS Communications facilities, and U.S. Border Patrol Facilities. Texas DPS claims the cameras have been used to apprehend 250,000 individuals and the seizure of 248 tons of marijuana as of January 2019.   https://www.dps.texas.gov/PublicInformation/operDrawbrdg.htm https://www.dps.texas.gov/PublicInformation/drawbrdgPhotos.pdf Texas Department of Public Safety
Texas Department of Public Safety Travis County TX Statewide Face recognition Austin State A study by the Center on Privacy & Technology at Georgetown Law found that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has used face recognition since 2005. DPS can search 24-million driver license and ID photos and 24.9-million mug shots in the FBI’s Next Generation Identification Interstate Photos System. Texas DPS accepts search requests from both local and federal law enforcement agencies.   https://www.perpetuallineup.org/jurisdiction/texas   Center on Privacy & Technology at Georgetown Law
Del Rio Police Department Val Verde County TX Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
Del Rio Police The Del Rio Police Department has had Automated License Plate Readers since 2007. As of 2013, DRPD had 7 patrol units outfitted with mobile ALPRs, 5 ALPR trailers that can be deployed at various locations through the city, and 2 fixed ALPR systems on HWY 90 E. DRPD claims to have ALPR cameras at all entry points to the city.   http://cityofdelrio.com/DocumentCenter/View/1322/License-Plate-Reader-LPR?bidId= http://cityofdelrio.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/877 Del Rio Website
Del Rio Police Department Val Verde County TX Municipal Body-worn Cameras Del Rio Police The Del Rio Police Department launched a body-worn camera program with the purchase of 35 cameras in 2017.   http://delrionewsherald.com/article_d0ef355e-69b8-11e7-bc43-43414b19413d.html https://www.cityofdelrio.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1376 Del Rio News Herald
Val Verde County Sheriff's Office Val Verde County TX County Body-worn Cameras Del Rio Sheriff The Val Verde County Sheriff's Office launched a body-worn camera program in 2016 with the purchase of 35 cameras.   http://delrionewsherald.com/article_d0ef355e-69b8-11e7-bc43-43414b19413d.html   Del Rio News Herald
Val Verde County Sheriff's Office Val Verde County TX County Lidar Del Rio Sheriff In 2018, the Val Verde Sheriff's Office worked with Quanergy to test lidar sensors, capable of 3D imaging, on a private ranch in Del Rio. Quanergy https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/18/technology/trump-border-wall-lidar.html   New York Times
Val Verde County Sheriff's Office Val Verde County TX County Mobile Surveillance Vehicle Del Rio Sheriff The TerraHawk Mobile Utility Surveillance Tower (MUST) is a van with an observation compartment on top that can be lifted 25-feet in the air. Val Verde County is one of at least five counties along the Texas border deployed the vehicles as of 2012. Terrahawk https://bstc.ati.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/9_TerraHawk-LLC.pdf   Terrahawk
Drug Enforcement Administration Webb County TX Federal Automated
License Plate
Readers
Laredo Federal agency As recently as July 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration has used Perceptics Automated License Plate Readers in Laredo. Perceptics https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6386782-Laredo-Perceptics.html https://www.fbo.gov/notices/236cd0738e6d38d4be11cb1552b9cdc0 Drug Enforcement Administration
Laredo Independent School District Police Department Webb County TX School District Body-worn Cameras Laredo Police As of 2017, the Laredo Police Department has obtained at least 15 BWCs through grants and hopes to equip 359 of its officers in the future.   https://www.lmtonline.com/local/article/Laredo-ISD-police-to-add-body-cameras-to-their-12188201.php https://www.bwctta.com/sites/default/files/Files/Resources/Laredo%20BWC%20Policy%20Final%205-9.pdf, https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6306278-LAREDO-ISD-BWC.html, LMT Online
Laredo Police Department Webb County TX Municipal Automated
License Plate
Readers
Laredo Police The Laredo Police Department is in the process of purchasing ALPRs from Wireless CCTV, city council meeting minutes show. The systems will be paid for through Operation Stonegarden, a program that funds local law enforcement to cooperate with federal agencies in border operations. These ALPR trailers will be placed in high traffic areas along roads that the U.S. Border Patrol has identified as hot spots for smuggling. Wireless CCTV http://www.cityoflaredo.com/city-council/council-activities/council-agendas/2018Agendas/2018-R-18.pdf   City of Laredo
Laredo Police Department Webb County TX Municipal Body-worn Cameras Laredo Police The Laredo Police Department distributes BWCs to officers who are regularly engaged in traffic patrol, detain or stop vehicles, and respond directly to calls from the public. As of February 2019, the Laredo Police Department has obtained at least 15 BWCs through grants and hopes to equip 359 of its officers in the future. The cameras, manufactured by Utility Associates, are partially concealed: all that is visible is the lens, which is placed a long the buttons on a police officer's shirt or vest.   http://www.cityoflaredo.com/CMO/CASS/Pres_Fed/2019/2019_Federal_Legislative_Agenda.pdf http://www.ci.laredo.tx.us/cmo/CASS/Pres_Fed/2017/body-worn.html City of Laredo
Laredo Police Department Webb County TX Municipal Camera
Networks/Real-Time Crime Centers
Laredo Police In 2018, the Laredo Police Department received approval to establish a $1.4 million real-time crime center in the city. Most of the funding will go to putting surveillance cameras around the city so that the police department can gather real-time information and relay it to investigators who may be responding to a crime scene.   https://www.lmtonline.com/local/article/1-4M-to-build-real-time-crime-center-for-Laredo-13013428.php https://www.laredopd.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2018-Annual-Report-Final.pdf LMT Online
Laredo Police Department Webb County TX Municipal Drones Laredo Police As of 2016, the Laredo Police Department has at least one drone. It is for “search and rescue for the SWAT team, crime scenes, and action scenes,” including hostage situations, according city council records. Leptron http://www.cityoflaredo.com/Budget/Budget_Presentations/2016-2017/Police/Police.pdf http://www.cityoflaredo.com/city-council/council-activities/council-minutes/2016Min/M2016-R-01.pdf Laredo Government Website
Texas A&M International University Police Department Webb County TX University Body-worn Cameras Laredo Police The Texas A&M International University Police Department has used body-worn cameras since 2014.   https://www.lmtonline.com/news/article/Body-camera-policy-eyed-10916451.php   LMT Online
Texas Department of Public Safety Webb County TX Statewide Spy Plane Laredo State agency As part of a program called Operation Secure Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has spent more than $15 million on two high altitude surveillance planes that flight at more than two miles above the Earth. The Texas Observer found that from January 2015 to July 2017 DPS flew these planes above Webb County at least 54 times for purposes such as patroling the border.   https://www.texasobserver.org/tracking-dps-across-the-sky/ https://www.texasobserver.org/planes/ Texas Observer
U.S. Border Patrol: Laredo Sector Webb County TX Federal Integrated
Fixed Towers
Laredo Federal agency An Integrated Fixed Tower System (IFT) consists of radars and cameras mounted on stationary towers. A 2018 U.S. Patrol presentation indicates that two IFTs are located in the Laredo sector. Elbit Systems of America https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6162054-Final-Draft-Industry-Day-Briefing-Charts-IFT.html https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf U.S. Border Patrol
U.S. Border Patrol: Laredo Sector Webb County TX Federal Remote Video Surveillance Systems Laredo Federal agency A Remote Video Surveillance System (RVSS) system consists of daylight and infrared cameras mounted on poles, towers, or buildings. A 2018 U.S. Patrol presentation indicates that there are 107 RVSS located in the Laredo Sector.   https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6162054-Final-Draft-Industry-Day-Briefing-Charts-IFT.html https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/688666.pdf U.S. Border Patrol
United Independent School District Police Department Webb County TX School District Body-worn Cameras Laredo Police In September 2017, the United Independent School District got a grant from the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance to purchase body-worn cameras.   https://www.lmtonline.com/news/article/Body-camera-policy-eyed-10916451.php   LMT Online
Webb County Sheriff's Office Webb County TX County Automated
License Plate
Readers
Laredo Sheriff In 2019, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office announced the approval for 10 new patrol units. These vehicles are equippped with Automated License Plate Readers.   https://www.kgns.tv/content/news/new-units-505153361.html http://www.webbcountytx.gov/sheriff/the%20lawman%20journal%20volume%202%20issue%20i.pdf KGNS
Webb County Sheriff's Office Webb County TX County Body-worn Cameras Laredo Sheriff The Webb County Sheriff's Office began purchasing body-worn cameras after receiving a $22,000 grant.   https://www.kgns.tv/content/news/County-Commissioners-to-Discuss-Grant-for-Body-Camera-Program-393111861.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvU4qYLF6Gs KGNS
Webb County Sheriff's Office Webb County TX County Camera
Network
Laredo Sheriff As of December 2018, the Webb County Sheriff's department had installed 10 camera towers along on the U.S.-Mexican border through Operation Stonegarden funding.   https://www.kgns.tv/content/news/Sheriffs-office-installs-10-cameras-along-the-border-502121952.html   KGNS
Webb County Sheriff's Office Webb County TX County Mobile Surveillance Vehicle Laredo Sheriff The TerraHawk Mobile Utility Surveillance Tower (MUST) is a van with an observation compartment on top that can be lifted 25-feet in the air. Webb County is one of at least five counties along the Texas border deployed the vehicles as of 2012. Terrahawk https://bstc.ati.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/9_TerraHawk-LLC.pdf   Terrahawk
Texas Department of Public Safety Zapata County TX Statewide Spy Plane Zapata State agency As part of a program called Operation Secure Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has spent more than $15 million on two high altitude surveillance planes that flight at more than two miles above the Earth. The Texas Observer found that from January 2015 to July 2017 DPS flew these planes above Zapata Couny at least 97 times.   https://www.texasobserver.org/tracking-dps-across-the-sky/ https://www.texasobserver.org/planes/ Texas Observer
U.S. Border Patrol: Zapata Station Zapata County TX Federal Tactical
Aerostat
Zapata Federal agency U.S. Border Patrol deploys six "Tactical Aerostat" systems in Texas, with one stationed near its Zapata Station. These surveillance balloons are similar to CBP's TARS system, except they are relocatable. The systems include radar surveillance equipment and infrared and high-resolution cameras   https://www.gao.gov/assets/690/682842.pdf https://www.cbp.gov/frontline/frontline-november-aerostats U.S. Government Accountability Office
Zapata County Sheriff's Office Zapata County TX County Mobile Surveillance Vehicle Zapata Sheriff The TerraHawk Mobile Utility Surveillance Tower (MUST) is a van with an observation compartment on top that can be lifted 25-feet in the air. Zapata County is one of at least five counties along the Texas border deployed the vehicles as of 2012. Terrahawk https://bstc.ati.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/9_TerraHawk-LLC.pdf   Terrahawk