SFPD Purchased Artificial Intelligence Video Software
The department paid $198,000 for a three-year contract that began in August 2026.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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San Francisco police began utilizing BriefCam surveillance software in August 2026 to accelerate the review of video footage. The department uses the artificial intelligence platform to process recordings from nearly 500 Flock cameras across the city.
Why it matters
The software aims to streamline investigations into vehicle-related crimes like carjackings by automating labor-intensive manual reviews. Residents can expect continued oversight as officials debate new laws regarding how police utilize camera networks and biometric data.
The police department secured a $198,000 three-year contract for the software, which is currently applied to footage from approximately 500 Flock cameras. The specific privacy protocols regarding how long biometric data is retained after an investigation remains unknown.
The players
San Francisco Police Department
The city agency responsible for local law enforcement that acquired the video software.
Board of Supervisors
The legislative body of San Francisco that received a status report on the new surveillance tools.
The details
BriefCam uses artificial intelligence to compress thousands of hours of footage, allowing investigators to filter by vehicle attributes or individual movement patterns. The SFPD funded this purchase using federal grants originally designated for the Real Time Crime Center. The technology, developed by Hebrew University professors, has previously been deployed to monitor individuals in East Jerusalem.
Timeline
August 2026: SFPD began using the BriefCam software.
September 2026: The SFPD provided a status update to the Board of Supervisors regarding the technology.
October 2026: A District Attorney and Assembly member proposed a new law concerning Flock camera usage.
Across the Bay
This integration follows a documented trend of connecting private and public camera networks in the region. The implementation occurs as officials move to establish new oversight via the proposed Flock camera legislation.
Residents should note that video captured by Flock cameras near their homes or businesses is now subject to rapid AI-driven analysis. If you have concerns about the use of biometric tracking in your neighborhood, you can monitor upcoming discussions at the Board of Supervisors.
The takeaway
The city has moved to an automated video review system to combat vehicle crimes, signaling a shift in how street-level footage is processed. Residents should track the ongoing legislative proposal introduced in October 2026 to see if new restrictions are placed on camera data access.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest departmental policies and oversight in the Law Enforcement section.
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