Public Safety
Fullerton pauses Flock license-plate cameras for six months
The Orange County city will temporarily turn off its automated license-plate readers while reviewing privacy safeguards and whether the cameras materially affect crime-solving.
The Los Angeles Times' Daily Pilot reported that the Fullerton City Council voted 3–1 on October 6 to suspend the Flock Safety system for six months. Fullerton became the first Orange County city to pause the technology, according to the report.
Vote: 3–1
System: 17 stationary and two mobile cameras
Pause: Six months
Next steps: Community meeting, policy review and comparison of crime-solving results
Privacy and public-safety claims under review
City records say police use the 19-camera system to identify vehicles tied to reported crimes, stolen vehicles, missing persons and other authorized investigations. Police said the cameras provide investigative leads, while residents raised concerns about surveillance and data sharing. The council plans to review the policy and examine results during the shutdown.
Sources: Daily Pilot — October 10 → · City of Fullerton agenda record — October 6 →