Title
Sheriff’s Office recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute Purchase Contract 9757 with Flock Safety in the amount of $113,000, for two years and perpetually renewable thereafter at an approved quoted rate, for the purchase and deployment of License Plate Recognition cameras and proprietary software that is exempt from competitive bidding pursuant to Board of Supervisors Policy C-17 Section 3.5;
2) Approve and authorize the Purchasing Agent to increase the purchase contract on an "as-needed" basis during the period of the agreement as long as funding is available within the requesting department's budget; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute future amendments that would not exceed the Purchasing Agent’s authority granted pursuant to Policy C-17 Procurement Policy Section 2.4 to Purchase Contract 9757, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: California Multi-Jurisdictional Methamphetamine Enforcement Team Special Revenue Funds.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Sheriff’s Office is seeking to enhance its investigative capabilities and crime prevention efforts through the implementation of LPR technology utilizing Flock Safety cameras. LPR systems automatically capture high-resolution images of vehicle license plates and convert them into machine-readable data. This data can be accessed in real time or historically to identify vehicles of interest, locate missing persons, support ongoing investigations, and strengthen public safety efforts.
The proposed system would involve the placement of Flock Safety LPR cameras at strategic locations throughout the county. These locations will be selected to maximize investigative value, deter criminal activity, and enhance the ability of law enforcement to respond quickly to emerging incidents. Flock Safety’s existing local agreements with property owners and other jurisdictions will also allow the Sheriff’s Office to deploy cameras in previously unavailable areas, expanding coverage to high-value locations where public right-of-way access alone would not be sufficient.
The system will integrate with a secure, cloud-based platform that provides:
Real-Time Alerts: Notifications when a vehicle associated with a criminal investigation, Amber Alert, or other safety concern is detected.
Historical Data Access: The ability to review plate reads over a defined retention period to support ongoing and past investigations.
Regional Information Sharing: Secure data exchange with neighboring jurisdictions to improve multi-agency cooperation and criminal apprehension.
Flock Safety is the sole manufacturer of the LPR cameras and the exclusive provider of the integrated hardware, proprietary software platform, technical support, and ongoing maintenance services. Due to the unique nature of the technology and the need for a fully integrated solution, competitive bidding is not feasible. Pursuant to Section 3.5 - Specific Exemptions and Written Findings of Fact - competitive bidding is precluded in this instance.
Implementing Flock Safety’s LPR system will provide the Sheriff’s Office with a proven public safety tool to deter crime, enhance investigative capabilities, and improve overall community security.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose to not approve this agreement, limiting resources available to the Sheriff's Office.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel, Procurement & Contracts
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
These costs are accounted for in the Sheriff’s Office FY 2025-26 budget with CalMMET Special Revenue Funds; therefore, there is no increase to net county cost.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Undersheriff Bryan Golmitz