TRUST SD originally formed to address the widespread and secretive use, installation, and acquisition of “smart streetlights” throughout San Diego County. Although the smart streetlights were sold to the San Diego City Council as an environmental project, entrepreneurial tool, and a way to help the City improve traffic safety and efficiency, it didn’t take long for their capabilities to be abused by our government. San Diego police began routinely using the video recording, audio, data collection, and artificial intelligence capabilities of the streetlights, with no regard for civil liberties and First Amendment rights. The San Diego Police Department wrote its own policies for accessing the footage from the Smart Streetlights, and in turn violated its own rules.

TRUST SD led the call for community oversight of the use of all surveillance technology and strong, legally enforceable ordinances to address the constitutional and civil liberty issues. Accordingly, we wrote two ordinances that will put in place the community oversight, accountability, and transparency essential for our Democracy. Although the San Diego City Council unanimously approved the ordinances, community members must keep up the pressure to ensure that the ordinances are properly implemented and that our city officials adhere to the process as laid out in the ordinances and honor the spirit in which the ordinances were passed.

We advocate for community-led solutions to all of the problems we face as a city. We are 100% community-centered and community-driven.