Video Inspection Program

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

The Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures (AWM) for the County of San Diego initiated a pilot program to conduct certain low-risk inspections remotely via video calling applications in October 2019. In March 2020, County operations shifted in response to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic, and AWM expanded the pilot program to maintain delivery of key program services while ensuring the safety of staff and customers. Through the end of 2020, AWM conducted 125 remote video site inspections of growers in the Certified Farmers’ Market and Organic Programs. The program eliminated the need for staff to drive to these sites, which resulted in more than 170 staff hours saved, $5,400 of hourly inspection fee savings for growers, and 8,100 fewer miles on County vehicles for an estimated 7,350 pounds reduction in carbon emissions. These video inspections were an effective means to verify compliance, improve service delivery, operational efficiency, cost containment, environmental protection, and customer satisfaction.