A Flock camera (File Photo)
DeFlock MPK, a group of Monterey Park residents, has released an analysis of Monterey Park Police Department logs for its Flock license plate reader system. The logs, obtained through a California Public Records Act request, cover May 2025 through July 2026.
By News Desk
The group said its review identified searches that may have violated state law or the city’s Flock contract. The findings included searches conducted for what appeared to be a Nevada police department and five searches labeled “Nova Investigation,” which the group said may be connected to a Los Angeles-based private investigation firm.
According to DeFlock MPK, the logs showed that the Monterey Park Police Department conducted 428 searches on behalf of outside agencies. The group said 53 of those agencies are currently blocked from accessing the city’s Flock data.
The analysis also identified 188 searches related to traffic enforcement, a use the group said is prohibited under the city’s Flock contract. In addition, 4,799 searches, nearly one-third of those reviewed, did not include case numbers, which the city says are required. Another 281 searches contained no justification, according to the group.
“The city promised this system was being audited and used responsibly. These logs tell a very different story,” said Hrag Balian, a member of DeFlock MPK.
DeFlock MPK said its findings raise questions about the city’s auditing process. The group urged the City Council to release complete logs dating back to the beginning of the Flock contract, expedite the release of network logs showing how outside agencies access Monterey Park’s data, cancel the contract, and remove the cameras.
DeFlock MPK made the logs used in its analysis available online.
The group will hold a resident-led community teach-in about Flock on Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 am to noon at the George Elder Community Room, 1985 Wilcox Avenue, Monterey Park. The event is open to the public.
Leave a Reply