During a recent government meeting, Chief JD Reed and Flock Safety representative Hector Solomon Valdez presented a new vehicle surveillance initiative aimed at enhancing public safety through the implementation of Flock's camera system. The proposed system, which captures images of vehicle license plates, is designed to assist law enforcement in investigations without linking the data to vehicle owners.

The Flock safety system retains captured data for 30 days and integrates with the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), allowing police to receive alerts on stolen vehicles and missing persons. Valdez emphasized that the cameras will only capture images of the rear of vehicles, ensuring privacy by not connecting the data to any personal information or DMV records.

The city plans to install seven cameras at strategic intersections, including 16th and Rockwell, to monitor public areas. Each camera will cost approximately $3,000 per year, covering maintenance and software access. Valdez noted that the system has been successfully utilized in other cities, helping to solve numerous crimes and locate missing individuals.

The meeting also addressed concerns regarding data privacy and public access. Valdez clarified that the data collected is owned by the city and cannot be shared with Flock or third parties. Access to the data is restricted to law enforcement for active investigations, and it is not subject to public records requests due to its sensitive nature.

Overall, the introduction of the Flock camera system represents a proactive approach to crime prevention and community safety, leveraging technology to support law enforcement efforts while maintaining a commitment to privacy.