Agenda Item: 6
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: November 12, 2024
SUBJECT: FLOCK SAFETY AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READER
CAMERAS CONTRACT
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
PRESENTER: Masis Hagobian
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Approve a two-year contract with Flock Group, Inc. for the lease of 35 Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader cameras in an amount of $261,250, with an option for two, one-year renewals in an amount of $125,000 annually, for a total amount not to exceed $511,250.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras have been widely adopted by law enforcement agencies to track stolen vehicles and solve crimes involving vehicles. Flock Safety ALPR cameras employ machine learning and artificial intelligence to capture vehicle characteristics without needing reflective plates, processing up to 30,000 vehicles per day across two to three lanes with a single camera. The Flock Safety software analyzes vehicle details, including license plate, color, make, and unique features (e.g., roof racks or custom hubcaps) and alerts law enforcement in real-time when identifying vehicles linked to theft, crimes, or missing persons cases like Amber or Silver Alerts.
Flock Group, Inc. (Flock) is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the Flock Safety ALPR system, which is currently used in over 2,000 cities nationwide. This proprietary ALPR technology includes unique machine vision for detailed vehicle analytics, cloud-based storage, and a wireless, solar-powered setup. No other vendors offer this combination of features or Flock’s leasing model, which reduces upfront equipment costs and eliminates ongoing
maintenance burdens. Approval of this contract will ensure the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) Sheriff’s Station has access to the most advanced technology to support public safety efforts while ensuring fiscal responsibility. The reliability and unique capabilities of Flock’s system have been validated through similar sole-source agreements in cities like Covina and Houston, enhancing public safety and operational efficiency. This contract supports the Public Safety theme of the City’s five-year strategic plan, Santa Clarita 2025.
The ALPR cameras, as part of this agreement, only capture photos, with no live feed or surveillance monitoring, and access to the data will be limited to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies, consistent with adopted ALPR use and privacy policies.
As technology advances rapidly, the lease model ensures that the ALPR cameras receive the latest software and hardware updates as part of the subscription. This approach also relieves the City of maintenance or replacement costs for outdated or defective equipment. Flock Safety data is securely stored, encrypted, and automatically deleted every 30 days on a rolling basis.
In collaboration with the SCV Sheriff’s Station, Flock Group, and City staff, 35 ALPR cameras will be strategically installed across the City, with locations selected based on crime patterns, entry and exit points, and traffic flow to maximize the technology’s impact. This placement aims to enhance the SCV Sheriff’s Station’s crime prevention and response capabilities by enabling rapid detection and intervention of vehicles involved in criminal activity. Additionally, the technology aids in tracking fleeing suspects and supports investigative efforts.
Of the 35 ALPR cameras, 10 long-range cameras will be positioned along major thoroughfares, capturing three lanes of traffic in each direction, while the remaining 25 standard cameras will capture two lanes of traffic. The annual cost per camera is $5,000 for long-range models and $3,000 for standard models, covering all hardware, maintenance, software, updates, data storage, LTE connectivity, solar panels, and mounting equipment. A one-time installation fee of approximately $320 per camera applies as part of the first-year costs.
Several cities currently use Flock Safety ALPR cameras throughout their jurisdictions, including Alhambra, Azusa, Beverly Hills, Covina, El Monte, Glendale, Pomona, and West Covina. In addition, cities that contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department that are already using or are in the process of using ALPR cameras include Calabasas, Lancaster, La Canada Flintridge, La Puente, Palmdale, Pico Rivera, Rosemead, Temple City, Walnut, and West Hollywood.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Adequate funds are available in expenditure account 1006000-516153 to support the recommended contract during Fiscal Year 2024-25. Funding for future years will be contingent upon approval by the City Council through the annual budget process.
ATTACHMENTS
Flock MSA - City of Santa Clarita