Many residents have questions about the implementation and impact of Flock Safety cameras throughout East Palo Alto. To provide transparency and a clearer picture of how this technology is utilized, the East Palo Alto Police Department has released data detailing the specific types of criminal activity identified through these Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR).
The data reveals that these cameras are far more than just passive observers; they are a vital tool that enables a highly efficient use of police resources. By providing real-time alerts on vehicles associated with specific crimes, the system allows officers to focus their enforcement efforts where they are needed most. Whether it is recovering stolen property, locating suspects in violent offenses, or deterring criminal activity before it occurs, this technology plays a central role in the city's comprehensive strategy for crime enforcement, reduction, and prevention.
The following analysis breaks down 377 recent data entries, translating complex legal codes into plain English to show exactly how this technology is helping keep our streets safer. From addressing the high volume of "joyriding" and auto thefts to providing critical leads on serious felony investigations, the data underscores a significant shift toward data-driven policing in our community.
The "All Others" category represents 103 total incidents from your spreadsheet that fell outside of the top 10 most frequent crimes. These entries cover a wide spectrum of police activity, ranging from serious violent crimes to administrative tasks.Detailed Breakdown of "All Others"1. Violent & Weapon-Related Crimes (28 incidents)While lower in volume, these represent the most critical public safety alerts:
- Attempted Murder (664/187(A) PC): 4 incidents
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon (245(A)(1) PC): 4 incidents
- Carjacking (215(A) PC): 3 incidents
- Discharging or Brandishing a Firearm: 8 incidents (Total of various codes)
- Assault (GBI/Firearm/General): 5 incidents
- Criminal Threats (422(A) PC): 4 incidents
2. Domestic & Public Order (10 incidents)
- Domestic Violence with Injury (273.5(A) PC): 3 incidents
- Disturbing the Peace - Domestic (415 PC): 3 incidents
- Domestic Battery (243(E)(1) PC): 2 incidents
- Stalking & Violation of Court Orders: 2 incidents
3. Property & Financial Crimes (26 incidents)
- Burglary (459 PC): 6 incidents
- Vandalism (594(A)(1) PC): 6 incidents
- Shoplifting (459.5(A) PC): 5 incidents
- Grand Theft (487(A) PC): 4 incidents
- Receiving Stolen Property & Fraud: 5 incidents
4. Driving & Substance Related (10 incidents)
- DUI / DUI with Injury: 4 incidents
- Suspended License (DUI related): 2 incidents
- Reckless Driving: 2 incidents
- Evading an Officer: 2 incidents
5. Administrative & Assistance (19 incidents)
- Information Only / Assistance to Other Agencies: 8 incidents
- Stored or Impounded Vehicles: 5 incidents
- Accidents (Property or Non-Injury): 4 incidents
- Missing Persons: 2 incidents
Crime Incident Summary (Top Categories)The vast majority of the "ALPR special" hits relate to vehicle-related crimes and theft. Here are the top categories from your data:
Offense Code | Plain English Description | Total Incidents |
|---|---|---|
10851(A) VC | Auto Theft / Joyriding: Taking or driving a vehicle without consent. | 89 |
20002(a) VC | Hit & Run: Failure to stop after an accident causing property damage. | 55 |
10852 VC | Vehicle Tampering: Defacing or removing parts from a vehicle. | 39 |
211 PC | Robbery: Taking property from a person by force or fear. | 18 |
10851R | Stolen Vehicle Recovery: Recovery of a previously reported stolen vehicle. | 16 |
20001(A) VC | Hit & Run (Injury): Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury. | 14 |
2800.2(A) VC | Reckless Evading: Fleeing a peace officer in a reckless manner. | 14 |
484(A) PC | Petty Theft: Theft of property or money valued at $950 or less. | 8 |
496D(A) PC | Possession of Stolen Vehicle: Knowing the vehicle was stolen. | 7 |
