Pasadena Police Provide Update on Automated License Plate Reader Program

Chief Harris to present findings on search activity, vehicle recoveries, and crime clearance rates to Public Safety Committee.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:08am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a car license plate against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.Pasadena's automated license plate reader program has become a vital tool for law enforcement, but its use raises privacy concerns that must be addressed.Pasadena Today

Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris is scheduled to provide an update on the department's Flock Safety automated license plate reader program at the upcoming Public Safety Committee meeting. The presentation will cover search activity, audit findings, alert data, vehicle recovery statistics, crime clearance rates, and plans for new camera installations.

Why it matters

The Flock Safety system has become a key tool for the Pasadena Police Department, aiding in vehicle recoveries and improving overall crime clearance rates. However, the use of automated license plate readers raises privacy concerns that the department must address through transparency and oversight.

The details

According to the presentation, a Flock audit found no violations of state laws, confirming the system was not used for improper purposes. The department conducted over 18,000 searches in 2025, with the top reasons including larceny, vehicle theft, and drug offenses. The Flock system generated nearly 184,000 alerts, leading to the recovery of over 30% of stolen vehicles in Pasadena in 2025. The department's overall crime clearance rate also improved, rising from 28.96% in 2023 to 35.26% in 2025, exceeding the national average.

  • The Public Safety Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 5 p.m.
  • The Flock audit covered the period from September 1, 2023 to April 6, 2026.
  • In 2025, the department conducted 18,648 automated license plate reader searches.
  • In the first quarter of 2026, the department conducted 9,162 searches.
  • The department plans to install 11 new Flock cameras, with the majority in District 4.

The players

Gene Harris

Chief of Police for the Pasadena Police Department.

Pasadena Police Department

The local law enforcement agency responsible for public safety in Pasadena, California.

Pasadena Public Safety Committee

An advisory body that oversees public safety issues in the city of Pasadena.

Flock Safety

A company that provides automated license plate reader technology to law enforcement agencies.

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What’s next

The Public Safety Committee will discuss the Flock Safety program update and provide feedback, but any policy decisions will ultimately be made by the Pasadena City Council.

The takeaway

The Pasadena Police Department's use of automated license plate readers has proven effective in recovering stolen vehicles and improving overall crime clearance rates, but the department must continue to prioritize transparency and address privacy concerns to maintain public trust in the program.