Flock cameras will be removed from El Cerrito July 30-Aug. 18
El Cerrito Police announced Wednesday, July 29, that Flock cameras will be removed between July 30 and Aug. 18.
The City Council voted May 5 to cancel the city’s contract with Flock and the cameras were shut down June 6. But the company was slow to actually remove the cameras, and opponents let the city know through written communication and in person at the July 21 council meeting that they did not feel comfortable with the cameras still up.
City Manager Karen Pinkos told the City Council at that meeting that the city was working with Flock to get the cameras removed.
The Police Department issued the following statement on Wednesday, July 29:
“The City of El Cerrito and the El Cerrito Police Department are committed to transparency, accountability, and maintaining the trust of our community.
“Following the City Council's decision not to renew the agreement with Flock Safety, the El Cerrito Police Department has been working with Flock to coordinate the orderly removal of all Flock cameras within the city. This process is currently underway.
“Flock has advised the Police Department that maintenance work orders have been issued for the removal of all cameras between July 30 and August 18.While this is the anticipated timeframe provided by Flock, the Police Department will continue to monitor the progress to ensure the removal process is completed.
“The Police Department is also aware of a video that has circulated showing a Flock camera displaying a flickering light as vehicles pass by. Flock's engineering division has advised ECPD that the flashing light is the camera's infrared signals which are activated by motion. Flock has further confirmed that the cameras are not generating or capturing images and have not been doing so since the agreement expired on June 6th when all of the cameras were decommissioned.
“We recognize the community's interest in this matter and remain committed to keeping City staff, elected officials, and the public informed as the camera removal progresses.
“The Police Department will provide updates as appropriate until the removal process is complete.”
Coverage of Flock discussion at July 21 meeting