Solano County Extends Flock Safety Camera Contract for Vallejo
UPDATE: The Solano County Board of Supervisors has just announced a critical extension of the Flock Safety Camera contract in Vallejo, continuing operations for 23 cameras in the Homeacres neighborhood for another two years. This decision, made on Tuesday, comes with a budget of $138,000, with $69,000 allocated from the Homeacres Loan Program this year.
The urgency of this action stems from the significant impact these cameras have had on local law enforcement. In 2024 alone, the Flock Safety Cameras have already achieved an impressive 6,412 hits on wanted license plates, according to the Solano County Sheriff’s Department. These hits are derived from law enforcement hotlists, including stolen vehicles and those linked to felonies.
Authorities report that the cameras were instrumental in solving 34 cases, resulting in 16 arrests within just one year of operations. The effectiveness of this technology highlights its value in enhancing community safety and aiding law enforcement efforts.
In a presentation by county staff, it was emphasized that the data collected from these cameras is strictly controlled. The Sheriff’s Office retains ownership of the data, which is not shared with third parties. The policy governing the cameras ensures that sensitive information is protected, explicitly stating that no facial recognition technology is employed and that data retention is capped at 30 days.
The contract stipulates that the collected data cannot be used for immigration enforcement, gender-affirming care, reproductive care, traffic enforcement, or any personal use. These guidelines have been implemented in response to concerns raised by the ACLU regarding potential misuse of the technology.
“The data is owned by the Sheriff’s Office, which retains full control of who it is shared with and uses it for law enforcement purposes only,” county officials confirmed. With these stringent measures in place, local authorities can ensure that the technology serves its intended purpose without infringing on civil liberties.
As Solano County moves forward with this extension, community members can expect continued improvements in public safety. The Board of Supervisors’ decision underscores the ongoing commitment to utilizing advanced technology in the fight against crime.
The next steps involve monitoring the effectiveness of the Flock Safety Cameras and assessing their impact on crime rates in Vallejo. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see if these measures result in even greater improvements in community safety and crime resolution rates.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
