Measure P committee splits on police funding: recommends Flock, rejects several other police tech and service requests

The Vallejo Measure P Oversight Committee on May 11 split its recommendations on a slate of police and public‑safety spending requests, advancing some technology funding and withholding support for other items amid extensive public comment about privacy, vendor practices and city budgeting.

What the committee decided: The committee voted to recommend the Flock Safety contract renewal at up to $302,500 for the next fiscal year, and it also recommended up to $200,000 to outfit recently purchased police vehicles with in‑car computers, radios and cameras. At the same meeting the committee voted NOT to recommend Measure P allocations for the purchase and outfitting of new fleet vehicles, for an interim $150,000 for evidence tow services (Dave’s & Bob’s), and for a proposed $480,000 allocation for Axon Enterprise services; it also voted not to recommend $250,000 for an external police reform consultant in this request cycle.

Staff presentations and rationale: Public Works Director Brad Job (recently on the job) described a $762,000 ask to replace and outfit police and public works vehicles and explained that some vehicles were totaled in accidents while others had reached their life cycle. Deputy Chief Bob Knight requested $150,000 to cover an unexpected increase in per‑vehicle daily evidence storage fees (from $5 to $10 per day) that produced a shortfall for the remainder of the fiscal year. Captain Sanjay Amraka and VPD staff explained that Axon (body‑worn cameras, in‑car cameras, digital evidence management and drone logging) and the Flock contract are multi‑year programs used to support investigations and internal review.

VPD data and claims: Deputy Chief Knight said the evidence‑tow contract rate doubled and that, without additional funding, invoices through March were outstanding; staff reported that about 100–115 vehicles are typically in evidence storage and that next fiscal year’s budget would reflect the $10/day rate. On Flock, VPD staff said the system produces leads that have materially aided homicide investigations and that usage and audit logs are presented monthly to the Surveillance Advisory Board.

Public comment and privacy concerns: More than a dozen speakers opposed using Measure P funds for surveillance technologies. Community members and privacy advocates presented user‑found vulnerabilities, industry controversies and potential for data sharing with federal agencies. Jose Carrizales told the committee that “the fox continues to guard a henhouse” and stressed adherence to Measure P’s nine priorities. Several speakers cited incidents and public reporting about Flock and concerns about data security, including claims that public streams and administrative interfaces had been found publicly accessible in other jurisdictions.

Staff and SAB response: The city’s surveillance advisory board attorney said the Vallejo contract contains restrictive language preventing Flock from using city data and that SAB monitors usage monthly; staff said audit logs and usage reports are published with SAB packets. VPD staff maintained that Flock and Axon have contributed to investigatory outcomes and internal accountability; the department reported a high homicide clearance rate over a recent two‑year window and attributed leads to Flock technology.

Votes at a glance (committee recommendation status): - Fleet vehicles (purchase/outfitting): NOT recommended (motion passed to withhold Measure P allocation). - Security services (contracted guards at City Hall): NOT recommended (motion passed with one opposed). - Janitorial services at City Hall: NOT recommended. - Dave’s & Bob’s tow service ($150,000, current FY): NOT recommended. - Flock Safety (ALPR/condor cameras): RECOMMENDED up to $302,500. - Axon Enterprise (body cams, evidence mgmt, drones): NOT recommended. - Danny Murphy consulting (police reform consultant): NOT recommended. - Outfitting police vehicles (tech/equipment): RECOMMENDED up to $200,000 (motion passed with one opposed).

Why this matters: The committee’s mixed votes reflect competing pressures: VPD argues surveillance and evidence technologies aid investigations and oversight; residents and civil‑liberties groups say Measure P money should prioritize community services and that surveillance contracts raise privacy and security risks. Committee members repeatedly noted the city’s broader budget shortfall and the need to weigh Measure P’s voter‑approved priorities against baseline operational funding.

What’s next: Committee recommendations will be forwarded to the city council for final appropriation decisions. Several speakers urged council to require stronger audits or to shift recurring technology costs back to general fund operations rather than using Measure P as a gap fund.

Representative quotes: Brad Job, Public Works Director: “We’re asking for $762,000 to replace and outfit a number of police vehicles and 2 public works vehicles.” Bob Knight, Deputy Chief: “VPD is requesting additional funding of $150,000 to cover April, May, and June” for evidence towing due to a rate change. Jose Carrizales, public commenter: “The fox continues to guard a henhouse. The time is now to stop.”

The meeting record shows the committee balancing immediate operational needs against Measure P’s voter priorities while responding to persistent public concerns about surveillance and data security.