Merced County extends Flock camera contract for 3 years despite privacy concerns

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Merced County will continue using Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras after the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to extend its contract with the surveillance company for another three years.

The Merced County Sheriff's Office first purchased the camera network in 2022 and says the technology has become a valuable investigative tool.

"Anywhere from assisting in homicide investigations to simple thefts, it's utilized quite frequently, and it's very helpful to our detectives on our patrol staff," Deputy Garcia said.

The extended contract will cost $385,350. Some residents who spoke at the meeting argued that the price is too high.

"Our community deserves oversight before it deserves more cameras," Norma C. said.

Marilyn S. also questioned the program's cost.

"It is an expensive contract and it seems excessive. We constantly hear how little money there is for services," she said.

Privacy and transparency concerns were among the primary issues raised by opponents of the camera network. Critics expressed concerns about how vehicle data is collected and shared.

"Once this network of cameras is in place, our community movements become permanently available to any agency with a login," Norma C. said.

Sheriff's officials pushed back against those concerns, saying the cameras focus on vehicles and are used for investigative purposes.

"We understand the concern, but our agency isn't using it to pinpoint people. It doesn't even capture people," Deputy Garcia said.

According to the sheriff's office, the cameras capture images of vehicles, including their make, model, color and license plates. Officials said the data is retained for up to 30 days before being deleted.

Deputies must have a case to access the system. While the sheriff's office can share data with other local agencies without a warrant, officials said they do not share information with federal law enforcement.

"It's not in a flock database. It's in a sheriff's office database, and we share with other local law-enforcement agencies that we so choose," Undersheriff Gibson said.

The contract extension comes as some law enforcement agencies have ended their relationships with Flock Safety in recent years, citing safety concerns. Those agencies include the Los Angeles Police Department, which ended its contract this week.

Merced County Supervisor Jim Pacheco defended the decision to continue using the cameras, saying the benefits outweigh the costs.

"I think it's money well spent; there are loved ones out there whose crimes can be solved, or some victim could be saved from something. It's worth every penny," Pacheco said.

As part of the new agreement, the county also purchased eight new surveillance cameras for Animal Services. County officials said those cameras are not license plate readers and will replace existing cameras at the facility.

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