The Reno City Council has approved plans to install two mobile surveillance cameras along the Truckee River to prevent illegal dumping, despite concerns over privacy and the impact on unhoused residents.
The council approved a $60,000 grant from the Truckee Meadows Water Authority for the initiative during a meeting on Wednesday. The project is to protect the river from trash and hazardous materials, citing public health and environmental safety concerns.
The mobile cameras, mounted on trailers similar to those used at construction sites, will stand 20 feet tall, feature night vision, and store video footage for up to 30 days. The system uses software to detect potential illegal dumping, sending alerts to Reno’s Clean and Safe team and park rangers, who can respond.
The proposal drew criticism from residents, who argued that the cameras contribute to increased surveillance in public spaces and could be used to target unhoused individuals. However, city officials stated the cameras are a preventative tool, not for constant monitoring, do not use facial recognition technology, and footage will get deleted after 30 days.
After debate, the council voted to approve the cameras. Councilwoman Meghan Ebert cast the lone dissenting vote, citing concerns about expanding surveillance in the city and suggesting alternatives such as adding dumpsters or supporting community programs.
The contract runs through March 2027, after which the city will evaluate the program and determine whether to continue it.
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