High-tech surveillance cameras valued at $161,000 are to be installed in Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek City Council Approves Two-Year Subscription for Flock Safety ALPR System
In a unanimous vote on June 17, 2025, the City Council of Walnut Creek, California, authorised a two-year subscription with Flock Safety for its Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system. This decision marks a significant step forward in the city's efforts to enhance public safety and traffic management.
The proposal for the Flock Safety ALPR system was first reviewed by the Camera Systems Oversight Committee before it reached the Council. The total cost for the 24-month subscription, including installation, leasing, and the subscription, does not exceed $161,600, as previously set aside in the General Fund. If the program continues beyond two years, staff estimate about $100,000 annually for renewal, subject to future Council approval.
One of the key advantages of Flock's system is its ability to read legacy plates, temporary paper tags, and motorcycle plates, which the current system struggles to capture. This feature is expected to significantly improve the city's ability to monitor and manage traffic effectively.
The installation aims for "comprehensive citywide coverage" across business and residential corridors. The City has not published a list of exact sites for the camera installation, but the plan includes the installation of 20+ fixed Flock cameras at strategic locations around the city and ALPR units mounted on two existing radar message board trailers. These mobile trailer units can be deployed to hot spots when needed, providing flexibility in response to changing traffic conditions and public safety needs.
The regional coordination of license plate readers is one reason cited by staff for the switch in Walnut Creek. This decision is part of a broader trend across the Bay Area and California, with Contra Costa County agencies and neighboring cities already using similar systems. Walnut Creek's decision to adopt the Flock Safety ALPR system is aligned with this regional strategy, aiming to improve traffic management and public safety coordination.
It's important to note that ALPR data is automatically purged after 30 days, ensuring privacy and data protection. The city's commitment to transparency and privacy is further demonstrated by the fact that the precise installation locations for the Flock cameras are not explicitly detailed in the available search results. However, the context indicates increased police presence and monitoring focus in the towns of Krásná Lípa (Schönlinde), Chřibská (Kreibitz), Jetřichovice (Dittersbach), and nearby Kytlice (Kittlitz) in the Czech Republic, suggesting these areas could be where such surveillance infrastructure, including Flock cameras, might be deployed.
The implementation of the Flock Safety ALPR system in Walnut Creek is a significant step towards enhancing public safety and traffic management. The system's ability to read a wide range of plates, combined with its flexible deployment options, positions it well to meet the city's needs. The City Council's approval clears the way for the rollout of the ALPR system in Walnut Creek, marking an exciting new chapter in the city's ongoing efforts to improve public safety and traffic management.
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