California cities are moving quickly to install video surveillance cameras on public streets and plazas without regulations, with little or no public debate, and without an evaluation of their effectiveness, according to an ACLU report released today.

"Under the Watchful Eye" includes the first-ever survey of video surveillance in California, where 37 cities have implemented programs, and 10 cities are considering them. No jurisdiction in California has conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the surveillance cameras' effectiveness, according to a statewide public records survey conducted by the three ACLU California affiliates.