Monterey County weighs 10-year Flock Safety deal as residents raise privacy fears
By Ricardo Tovar
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SALINAS, Calif. (KSBW) — Monterey County supervisors are set to vote Tuesday on a proposed 10-year contract with Flock Safety covering the county’s existing network of 63 license plate reader cameras.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a 10-year agreement with Flock Safety totaling $1,701,000. The agreement would cover the period from Sept. 1, 2026, through Aug. 31, 2036.
The sheriff’s office previously sought to increase the number of cameras from 63 to 103, but the latest proposal does not include that expansion.
The contract was originally estimated at $2.7 million, but the amount listed in the latest agenda has been reduced to $1.701 million.
The proposal has prompted concerns from residents and supervisors about privacy, constitutional rights, data security and the effectiveness of the cameras.
One resident said the cameras could amount to searches of people who have not committed a crime.
“Our Constitution requires a warrant for the police or government to search us, and all of these searches of every single innocent person who’s going through the intersection is a violation of the Constitution, in my opinion,” the resident said.
Another resident questioned whether the cameras have reduced crime and raised concerns about the security of information collected by Flock.
The sheriff’s office has said the cameras are important tools in investigations. The technology captures images of license plates and vehicle characteristics, which can help investigators track vehicles connected to crimes.
Supervisor Root Askew sent the sheriff’s office about 40 questions regarding the proposed contract. The sheriff’s office was expected to review those questions and provide responses before the Board of Supervisors considered the agreement.
The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office urged the Board of Supervisors to continue supporting Flock. Based on its experience, the office said the technology has been used in thousands of prosecutions and has become an “indispensable tool” for solving crimes.
The DA’s Office said Flock license plate readers have helped solve crimes across the county, including the King City mass shooting, robberies, kidnappings, homicides and stalking cases.
The discussion of FLOCK cameras is expected to begin after the board of supervisors reconvenes at 1:30 p.m.
Separately, the Watsonville City Council is scheduled to discuss the Watsonville Police Department’s contract with Flock Safety during its Tuesday meeting.
Watsonville Police Chief Brian Shab urged residents, business owners and community members to attend the meeting and share their perspectives.
“A tool that day after day helps our officers keep our community safe is at risk,” Shab said in a message.
The Watsonville City Council will receive a report on the Watsonville Police Department’s use of Flock Safety cameras and provide direction to city staff.
The council may consider the following options:
Maintain the current lease agreement with Flock Safety without changes. Revise department policies governing the use of Flock Safety cameras. Direct staff to notify Flock Safety that the city will not renew the contract when it expires in September 2027. Direct staff to negotiate changes to the contract terms with Flock Group Inc. Direct staff to issue the required 30-day notice to cancel the contract.
The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
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