Seaside police credit major crime reductions but warn of rising traffic collisions; defends 30‑day Flock camera retention
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Summary
Police Chief reported sharp declines in overall crime in 2025 but highlighted increases in vehicle collisions on Fremont and other corridors; he described Flock camera use, said data are retained 30 days and audited, and urged more traffic enforcement.
Police Chief Nick Dortas delivered the Seaside Police Department's 2025 annual report on Feb. 5, saying the city saw significant declines in many crime categories but a troubling rise in traffic collisions on several thoroughfares.
"We reduced the crime again by a substantial number ... 38% of reduction overall," the chief said, noting property crimes were down about 33% and crimes against people by 56% compared with prior years. He highlighted a single homicide in 2023 but emphasized that Seaside has had few homicides in recent years.
At the same time, Dortas said crash data show increases concentrated on Fremont Boulevard, Del Monte and other main streets; he attributed collisions to unsafe turns, lane changes and distracted driving. "On Fremont Boulevard ... that's where we saw more crashes," he said, adding the department will prioritize traffic enforcement and public education.
A major portion of the briefing addressed the department's Flock automated camera network. Dortas told council that Seaside's system produces alerts used for investigations into stolen vehicles, missing persons and serious crimes but stressed privacy safeguards: "We only archive data for 30 days," he said, and added that access is logged and requires a stated case number and reason. He acknowledged regional data sharing for law enforcement purposes but said the city does not share data with federal agencies absent a formal request.
Council members pressed on retention policy and breach prevention; the chief said weekly audits, strict supervisory controls and specialized training are central defenses. He also described Flock alerts assisting with attempted homicide investigations, stolen vehicles, hit-and-runs and other incidents in recent weeks.
The council did not vote on any new surveillance policy at the meeting, but members asked staff to continue reporting on Flock use and to pursue traffic safety strategies, including public service announcements and rebuilding the traffic enforcement team.