50 License Plate Reader Cameras Poised For Temecula

TEMECULA, CA — A proposal to install 50 license-plate readers across Temecula is on Tuesday's City Council agenda.

Southwest Sheriff's Station Captain Zachary Hall is recommending that the city purchase the Flock Automated License Plate Recognition System at an initial cost of $137,500, with an annual subscription cost of $125,000 after the first year. In addition to the 50 cameras, the purchase covers installation, maintenance, and 30-day data storage.

The Flock cameras capture still images of vehicles' rear license plates. The system has been used as an investigative tool to assist with tracking down criminal suspects, according to a presentation prepared by Hall. The cameras would be strategically located throughout the city.

The Flock proposal was brought to City Council May 25, but at the time it was anticipated that the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department would enter into an agreement with the technology company and be the primary public agency to operate, monitor, access, and use the data collected by the system. However, the county did not agree to the arrangement.

Now Temecula is poised to sign an agreement with Flock, but the Riverside County Sheriff's Department would still oversee the data. The City of Temecula contracts its police services through the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The Temecula City Council meeting is scheduled 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 41000 Main Street. To read the full meeting agenda, click here.