Sacramento Police: Flashing Blue Light On Surveillance Cameras Not A Distraction

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Midtown residents are concerned new police surveillance cameras may end up being a distraction for drivers.

The cameras have already drawn criticism as an invasion of freedom by some residents, but neighbors say the bright blue light on top of the cameras is a distraction that only gets worse as it gets darker.

"They're super distracting actually, really distracting, not only for older people, I would say everybody," said Chris Kahn.

He found himself staring at the flashing light—placed at the corner of the pole, away from the street lights—trying to figure out what it was.

"My eyes have pulled away from traffic for just a couple seconds and I almost caused an accident myself," he said.

Sacramento Police officer Justin Brown says the department hasn't received complaints he's aware of about the blue light. He says it's there to act as a crime deterrent.

"I do not feel like this is a distraction for drivers," he said. "When you're in the roadway, the flashing lights are not in the driver's direct line of sight."

There are currently 10 cameras around town, where police say were picked because they were heavily trafficked or areas with crime problems.

More cameras are likely to be added later this year.