Santa Ana seeks camera contract review over federal data access

Santa Ana officials directed staff Tuesday to examine automated license plate readers’ effectiveness and access to their data before deciding whether to cancel or revise the city’s contracts, according to Voice of OC. The review follows reporting that a fusion center accessed camera data on behalf of federal agencies despite earlier assurances about access restrictions.

The review tests whether Santa Ana can maintain control over surveillance data once it is shared with another agency, an issue tied to privacy and immigration enforcement concerns. It also adds to an Orange County debate that has prompted different responses in Fullerton and Costa Mesa.

Councilwoman Jessie Lopez requested the review and pushed to end the contracts. Mayor Valerie Amezcua supported examining them and having the findings go first to the police oversight commission, Voice of OC reported. The council did not decide to turn off the cameras.

A council majority approved two license plate reader contracts in May 2025, authorizing roughly $700,000 in maximum spending. The approval came with assurances about restricted access and compliance with state sanctuary law. Officials also requested an effectiveness update within a year.

According to Voice of OC, public-records reporting by Inadvertent found that a fusion center accessed camera data for federal agencies. Police Chief Robert Rodriguez said the sharing came from the fusion center, not directly from Santa Ana police, and that the department had disabled sharing with the state agency involved.

City Attorney Sonia Carvalho said the city could lose control of data after legally sharing it with another entity. Councilman Phil Bacerra favored reviewing evidence and available options before deciding whether to end the Flock relationship or amend the agreement. Councilman David Penaloza also asked staff to examine whether the city could regulate privately owned readers.

Elsewhere in Orange County, Fullerton decided earlier in October to suspend its readers for six months, becoming the county’s first city to approve a temporary shutdown, Voice of OC reported. Costa Mesa officials chose during the summer to keep their Flock contract while seeking stricter data-access rules after a former police officer used the cameras to stalk people.

Santa Ana’s review will bring together findings on camera effectiveness, contract terms and data access as council members weigh cancellation against changes to the agreements.