The captain of the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station recently lauded the license plate-reading cameras installed throughout La Cañada Flintridge, with Mayor Mike Davitt indicating support for additional devices in the future.
The Flock Safety cameras, which the city installed in August, quickly became a topic of discussion during a public meeting between local officials and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, including Sheriff Alex Villanueva. In response to a question from an LCF resident about the cameras at the April 6 virtual forum, Capt. Todd Deeds credited them for helping the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station solve recent crimes.
Dozens of the devices are planted throughout LCF, automatically reading license plates and sending the data to law enforcement. The data can also be shared between county departments, allowing a wider net to be cast when it comes to tracking stolen or suspicious vehicles.
“They have been a great asset to us here at the station as far as crime prevention and being able to solve crimes. Just a tremendous help,” Deeds said.
Davitt agreed, saying he was pleased with the impact of the Flock cameras and adding that he would like to see more devices active in the city.
“My hope is that, come our budget time, we’re going to try to get more cameras installed,” he said. “And that’ll be a priority, I know, for the council and for myself.”
Local residents also asked Deeds about what they said were continuing issues with speeding and exhaust noise on the Angeles Crest Highway, though the captain said deputies were issuing “a lot of tickets.”
Deeds added that the City Council had approved more personnel to patrol the area on weekends, and that two deputies are currently receiving training with radar devices. He also said the Sheriff’s Department would continue to increase patrols of the ACH.
Cameras which measure speed and noise are currently illegal throughout the state, Deeds also explained, though a bill in the California Assembly seeks to legalize them.
