DATE:
September 2, 2025
TO:
LaTanya Bellow, City Manager
FROM:
Jeff Jennings, Police Chief
SUBJECT:
Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Emeryville Authorizing The City Manager To Retroactively Accept And Expend A FY 2024 State Homeland Security Grant On Behalf Of The Police Department In The Amount Of $21,120 For Automated License Plate Readers And Increase The FY25/26 Budget By $21,120 Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the above-entitled resolution retroactively approving a FY2024 grant from the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) in the amount of $21,120 for the purchase of up to six fixed mounted Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR). The Police Department was awarded this grant funding from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, who administers the SHSGP grant program.
Background
The purpose of the grant is to build capabilities to protect against, prevent, respond to, and recover from terrorist acts and other types of emergencies or disasters. Flock Safety, Inc. (Flock Safety) has agreements with over 200 law enforcement agencies and cities in California. Flock Safety meets or exceeds all mandated requirements in SB 54, the California Values Act, relating to data sharing restrictions with immigration enforcement, and SB 34, regarding policy transparency with a policy portal that the public can access.
The Flock Safety ALPR camera system is an investigative tool that is designed to prevent and solve crimes using state-of-the-art technology. The Flock Safety ALPR camera system is equipped with infrared night vision and ALPR. Information is stored in a controlled database for 30 days that is only accessible by authorized law enforcement personnel. The Flock Safety ALPR camera system also alerts law enforcement agencies whenever a stolen/wanted vehicle enters their jurisdiction.
In December 2023, the Emeryville City Council approved the acquisition of 16 fixed-mounted ALPR cameras as part of an initiative to enhance public safety and improve operational efficiency. This advanced ALPR system, provided by Flock Safety, captures and analyzes vehicle data in real time, significantly aiding in crime prevention, suspect identification, and active investigations.
Following installation, officers received comprehensive training covering system operations, data interpretation, applicable privacy laws, and departmental policy compliance. Scenario-based training sessions demonstrated real-world applications of the technology—such as locating stolen vehicles, responding to Amber Alerts, and identifying and apprehending suspects involved in criminal activity.
Since its deployment, the ALPR system has had a measurable impact on public safety in Emeryville. The system scans over 2 million license plates each month, contributing to faster case resolutions, improved investigative leads, and a stronger deterrence to criminal behavior. Its success underscores the department’s commitment to modernizing policing while prioritizing transparency, accountability, and community trust.
In parallel with the City’s implementation, multiple private property owners—including residential communities, retail centers, and commercial developments—have also installed their own ALPR systems. This growing network of privately operated cameras has further expanded surveillance coverage citywide.
The integration of public and private ALPR networks has fostered a strong collaborative partnership between law enforcement and the community. Data voluntarily shared from these privately owned systems has been instrumental in supplementing investigations, particularly in areas not directly covered by city-operated cameras. This collective coverage has led to quicker identification of suspect vehicles, enhanced situational awareness for officers, and increased opportunities for crime prevention and case resolution.
Together, the City’s ALPR infrastructure and the adoption of ALPR technology by private stakeholders have significantly bolstered Emeryville’s public safety efforts. This innovation highlights the department’s strategic use of technology to support proactive policing while maintaining a clear focus on privacy, accountability, and community engagement.
Since the grant period is September 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026, the Council is asked to retroactively accept this grant.
Discussion
The benefit of accepting this grant is to allow funding for the purchase of an additional four to six fixed-mounted ALPR cameras, further strengthening Emeryville’s public safety infrastructure. These additional cameras will expand the City’s existing ALPR network and will allow the Police Department to strategically close surveillance gaps in high-traffic corridors, crime-prone areas, and key entry/exit points.
The expansion will enhance the department’s ability to monitor vehicle movement in real time, increasing opportunities to deter criminal activity and rapidly respond to in-progress incidents. With additional cameras in place, police officers will have broader ability to identify stolen vehicles, recover wanted persons, respond to Amber or Silver Alerts, and track suspect vehicles across a wider geographic area.
More coverage also means improved investigative efficiency, quicker resolution of cases, and greater support to surrounding law enforcement agencies during joint investigations. Strategically increasing ALPR coverage enhances situational awareness and ensures a more comprehensive layer of public safety.
The continued investment in ALPR technology reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to smart, data-driven policing while upholding principles of transparency, privacy, and responsible data use.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact to the City will be the initial expenditure of costs associated with the purchase of the proposed equipment. However, since the FY2024 SHSGP grant operates through a reimbursement process, there will be no impact to the City’s budget. It is anticipated that the initial expenditure for the equipment will come from the FY25/26 budget and grant reimbursements will be received during the same fiscal year. Since the grant was not included in the adopted budget for FY25/26, it is necessary to increase both the revenue 254-51400 and expenditures 254-91510 for the department by the grant amount.
Staff Communication with the Public
There has been no communication with the public as the grant award funding is unknown.
Conflict of Interest
None.
Conclusion
This program presents a valuable opportunity for the City of Emeryville, the Emeryville Police Department, and the broader Emeryville community. Staff recommend accepting the grant award to further enhance our community safety capabilities.
Retroactively accepting this FY2024 grant from the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) will allow the City to continue leveraging modern technology to promote public safety, strengthen our law enforcement capabilities, and maintain a strong partnership with the community.
PREPARED BY: Pablo Rojas, Acting Lieutenant
Jeff Jennings, Chief of Police
APPROVED AND FORWARDED TO THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EMERYVILLE:
LaTanya Bellow, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution
Grant Agreement
SHSGP Grant Proposal
| September 2, 2025
City of Emeryville
CALIFORNIA
MEMORANDUM