Palm Springs Approves Flock Nova Camera System for Real-Time Crime Solving

The city of Palm Springs is moving forward with new technology aimed at helping police solve crimes in real time.

On Thursday night, the Palm Springs City Council unanimously approved the use of the Flock Nova system, an advanced automatic license plate reader (ALPR) tool designed to tie together all Flock products. Police officials emphasized the system is not another broad surveillance program but a focused tool for generating investigative leads.

Lieutenant William Hutchinson with the Palm Springs Police Department explained to NBC Palm Springs’ Tiani Jadulang how the system would be used in pressing cases. “Let’s say a federal agency wants access to our system. Our policy says it’s a firm no right up front unless you can provide another answer,” he said. He pointed to the bombing incident in Palm Springs as an example, where the FBI was granted access to Flock data to track a suspect’s driving patterns and aid in prosecution.

In such cases, Hutchinson said, sharing information is “highly appropriate” to assist with investigations. Otherwise, access to Flock data will remain restricted under department policy.

City officials say the adoption of the Flock Nova system reflects an effort to modernize law enforcement tools while maintaining strict oversight. The new technology will be deployed soon, and police expect it to strengthen public safety across Palm Springs.

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