Tracy expands Flock camera network in parks with master service agreement; retention and privacy safeguards discussed

The Tracy City Council on July 7 authorized a master service agreement with Flock Group Inc. to expand automated license-plate readers and pan-tilt-zoom cameras across the city's parks and integrate them with the Police Department's Real Time Information Center.

Lieutenant Dan Garcia described a not-to-exceed contract of $639,467 for a 44-month term covering installation, maintenance, cloud hosting and software updates for 49 cameras targeted to park locations including Clyde Blan Park, Doctor Powers Park, Legacy Park, Lincoln Park and others. He cited several prior instances in which the currently deployed system assisted with locating a missing person, identifying a shooting suspect and recovering a stolen vehicle.

On privacy, Lieutenant Garcia said the department retains video and plate data for 30 days, requires an associated case number for searches, and limits data sharing to in-state law-enforcement partners when case-related. He said the city controls access and conducts monthly audits.

The council approved the MSA following the presentation; members noted prior operational successes and asked about retention and audit safeguards. The council also observed the units are solar-capable, which reduces wiring/cost complexity.

Quote "Our retention period is for 30 days. If any officer or anyone from our department is using the system, we make sure that there's a case number involved and the reason why they're doing the search or looking through the system itself," Lt. Garcia said.