After receiving assurances from law enforcement, Palm Springs Human Rights Commission members expressed unanimous support Monday for the police department’s use of surveillance tools, including drones, automatic license plate readers, and artificial intelligence-driven systems, as part of its Real-Time Intelligence Center.
Police Chief Andy Mills told the commission that civil liberty protections were incorporated into the program to ensure it aligns with community standards. City Council members Grace Garner and Christy Holstege had previously requested those protections be included in the ordinance authorizing the program.
“We want to make sure we do it correctly,” Mills said. “It’s something our community can be proud of, and that it’s within the traditions of this community.”
The Coachella Valley Real-Time Intelligence Center (CVRTIC), operational since December, allows law enforcement to access law enforcement databases, citywide cameras, license plate scanners, and drones.
Lt. William Hutchinson cited recent cases where the technology assisted in investigations. He said surveillance helped track a suspect vehicle in an Indio homicide and alerted officers in a separate incident involving a bomb threat from Cathedral City.
The license plate readers, provided by Flock, capture vehicle details such as plate numbers, shape, and distinctive markings. “There is not facial recognition on any of these cameras,” Hutchinson said, noting that facial recognition technology is banned on drones in California.
Hutchinson added that monthly audits and access controls are in place to prevent misuse. Officers must enter a reason and case number before accessing data, and the system logs all searches for accountability.
Palm Springs police officials said they do not allow partner agencies open access to their system. Data is shared according to memoranda of understanding, including one with El Cajon Police Department. Captain Gustavo Araiza said El Cajon must print results to share data externally, which would violate the agreement if done.
Palm Springs operates 215 cameras and uses four drone docking stations located at city and private facilities. In the past 30 days, the system recorded over 457,000 vehicles.
Addressing privacy concerns, Hutchinson said cameras on drones are pointed toward the horizon when in transit. Exceptions occur if a subject flees on foot, prompting the camera to track movement more directly.
Commissioners said the system made them feel safer and believed it would help protect vulnerable groups and large crowds during events. “This is extraordinarily important,” said Commission Chair Hugo Loyola, citing the city’s high visitor traffic.
The center is intended as a regional initiative. Cathedral City has joined the system, while Desert Hot Springs and Indio are expected to join. Participating agencies can operate each other’s drones during emergencies or pursuits.
