What Flock Cameras Mean for Colusa Residents

Flock Safety is one of the fastest-growing public safety technologies in the United States.

More than 5,000 communities and 4,500 law enforcement agencies now use its automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras to help investigate crimes, recover stolen vehicles, and locate missing persons. Colusa is preparing to become one of those communities.

Unlike traditional surveillance cameras that focus on people, Flock cameras identify vehicles by reading license plates and recording vehicle characteristics.

Their purpose is to provide investigators with valuable leads when crimes occur.

For a small community with limited law enforcement resources, the Flock technology has the potential to make a meaningful difference. If a stolen vehicle, wanted suspect, or vehicle connected to a serious crime enters Colusa, officers can be alerted within seconds.

Investigators can also determine where and when a vehicle was seen, helping establish timelines, identify patterns, and connect investigations that might otherwise take days or weeks to develop.

The system may also help combat drug trafficking. Vehicles making repeated, short visits to locations associated with suspected narcotics activity can become part of a larger investigation when combined with officer observations and other evidence.

Because Colusa is located near Interstate 5, the technology may also improve coordination with neighboring law enforcement agencies investigating criminal activity moving between communities.

Flock cameras are not a replacement for police officers or traditional investigative work. They are another tool that can help solve crimes more efficiently, recover stolen vehicles, locate suspects, and make better use of limited public safety resources.

Not everyone sees the technology the same way. Some communities have raised questions about privacy and government surveillance, while others believe the cameras are a valuable asset that can help law enforcement solve crimes, recover stolen vehicles, and protect the public.

"Trust isn't built by cameras—it's built by the people behind them," said Susan Wagenaar, founder of Colusa County Recovery. "Our officers have earned a reputation for being professional, community-minded, and willing to go the extra mile to help residents. That's why I believe Flock cameras will give them another tool to solve crimes more quickly, recover stolen vehicles, and help keep Colusa County safe."

# # #