Is that the reason why the SFPD needs access to the business camera network?

Or does the SFPD need access to it because it is otherwise restricted from performing conventional policing acts?

I thought that I heard political rhetoric, while living in SF for 20 years, about how the SFPD also is hamstrung, limited by local laws which prevent them from chasing certain suspects because they have a higher standard of that the alleged incident needs to meet before they can engage.

It's not as simple as, "pay money get peace." At least that's what I observed.