What police surveillance technology looks like in Cleveland

February 4, 2026 - 14:08

The Cleveland Division of Police employs a wide array of digital surveillance technologies to monitor activity across the city, creating a comprehensive network for law enforcement. This arsenal extends far beyond traditional methods, incorporating automated tools that constantly collect data.

Fixed and mobile video cameras are a visible component, recording public spaces and intersections. A more discreet yet pervasive technology is the automated license plate reader (ALPR). These devices, mounted on patrol cars and fixed locations like bridges, capture thousands of plate images per minute, logging the time, date, and location of each scan. This data builds a detailed map of vehicle movements throughout the city.

Police also utilize specialized equipment such as ShotSpotter, an acoustic system designed to detect and triangulate the location of gunfire. Furthermore, the department has access to cell-site simulators, often called "Stingrays," which can identify and locate mobile devices by mimicking cell towers. The integration of these tools provides officers with a significant technological advantage, aiming to enhance investigative capabilities and response times.

The deployment of these systems has sparked ongoing discussions regarding public safety efficacy, data retention policies, and the balance between security and individual privacy rights. Community advocates continue to seek clarity on usage guidelines and oversight mechanisms governing this powerful surveillance infrastructure.