19B Surveillance Technology Policies

In 2019, San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors passed the Acquisition of Surveillance Technology Ordinance open_in_new (opens in a new window) banning the use of Facial Recognition Technology, with limited exceptions, and requiring public posting of current surveillance technologies in possession or use by city departments. The ordinance also requires the Committee on Information Technology open_in_new (opens in a new window) (COIT) to help develop, review and approve policies for all surveillance technologies in possession or in use by each City department before sending their recommendations to the Board of Supervisors. 19B requires each policy to be approved by the COIT, City Department, the Mayor, the City Attorney and the Board of Supervisors. 

This City Ordinance defines a “Surveillance Technology” as: A software, electronic device, system using an electronic device, or similar device used, designed, or primarily intended to collect, retain, process, or share audio, electronic, visual, location, thermal, biometric, olfactory or similar information specifically associated with, or capable or being associated with, any individual or group.

Below is the inventory list of Surveillance Technologies that SFPD uses or has in its possession. Each technology listed is required to have a policy approved through the processes outlined in SF Admin Code 19B.  This page will be updated as each policy is approved.