Camera Policy

Security camera guidelines for LAFD fire station deployments

Effective January 1, 2025

Current Status: FOWLA is not deploying any camera systems at fire stations until an all-clear is received from LAFD command staff. At no time does FOWLA have access to camera systems once installed.

Purpose

FOWLA takes firefighter safety and privacy seriously. When firefighters respond to calls, sirens announce their departure, making it obvious to the public that the station is temporarily unoccupied. This creates opportunities for theft, vandalism, and trespassing.

While security cameras are an effective deterrent, they come with inherent privacy concerns. When FOWLA assists in installing camera systems, we take exceptional care to respect the needs of individual firefighters, the City of Los Angeles, and the union.

FOWLA has selected Eufy security cameras for these installations because they allow strict local-only privacy configurations.

Key Features & Safeguards

  • Local Video Storage Only. All recordings are stored locally on a hard drive at the station. No footage is automatically transmitted to or stored in the cloud.
  • Text-Only Alerts. Systems are configured to send text-only alerts (e.g., "Motion Detected"). Rich notifications are strictly disabled, ensuring that no thumbnail images are processed by external servers.
  • Short Retention Period. The system uses a rolling recording window. Video footage is automatically overwritten every 24 to 48 hours, ensuring the system remains a tool for immediate security awareness rather than a long-term historical record.
  • On-Site Viewing Only. Video feeds can only be viewed from the dedicated control panel located inside the station. There is no remote access for FOWLA, the public, the City, or any other party. Firefighters assigned to other shifts cannot view live or recorded video while off-duty.
  • No Public Record. Camera equipment is owned by Friends of West L.A., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Because footage is automatically deleted on a rolling basis, it does not become a permanent City record.

Privacy Protocols

  • Exterior Only. FOWLA will not install, fund, or approve cameras inside living quarters, dormitories, gyms, or near recreational areas such as firepits and patios. All systems are designed strictly for exterior views of the station perimeter.
  • Public Masking. Privacy masking features are used to digitally block public areas (sidewalks, streets) and neighboring private properties from the camera's view. Only station buildings and grounds are monitored.

Chain of Command

Respecting the LAFD chain of command is paramount. FOWLA will only accept installation requests from and coordinate logistics with station captains or higher-ranking command staff.