A Message to Our Community
We know there have been questions — locally and statewide — about how cities handle immigration issues and data sharing. We want to provide clear, straightforward information.
The Ukiah Police Department uses Flock Safety technology to capture objective evidence while protecting individual privacy. The Flock cameras detect license plate and vehicle characteristics which allows investigators to utilize retroactive searches to solve serious crimes.
“Community trust is essential to effective policing,” said Ukiah Police Chief Tom Corning. “As a member of this community, I care deeply about the people who live here. The Flock cameras we use are limited tools that read license plates to help us investigate serious crimes like stolen vehicles or violent offenses. We are committed to using technology responsibly while protecting the privacy and trust of everyone who calls Ukiah home.”
The City of Ukiah does not use local resources for federal immigration enforcement, except as required by California law under the California Values Act (SB 54). Our role is to provide public safety and City services to everyone in our community.
The Ukiah Police Department does not share Flock camera data with federal agencies or agencies outside of California. Additionally, Flock cameras capture license plate and vehicle characteristics only. They do not use facial recognition, people, gender or race.
The Department maintains a public transparency portal so residents can see exactly which agencies data is shared with:
Flock Transparency Portal:
https://transparency.flocksafety.com/ukiah-pd-ca
Ukiah Police Department website:
https://www.cityofukiah.com/police/
This year, the City Council reaffirmed these commitments in its 2026-27 Strategic Plan, which states that the City will provide local public safety and City services for everyone in compliance with the California Values Act (Senate Bill 54) and will not use City resources for federal immigration enforcement except as required by state law. The updated plan is anticipated to be adopted with the FY27 budget and will be posted on the City’s website.
Community trust and safety go hand in hand. We will continue to operate openly and in compliance with state law while focusing on the well-being of our community.
These principles reflect Ukiah’s long-standing commitment to transparency, equity, and ensuring that City services are accessible to the entire community. Through the work of the City Council, staff, and the City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, we remain committed to building trust and serving all residents with professionalism and respect.
Community trust and safety go hand in hand. We will continue to operate openly and in compliance with state law while focusing on the safety and well-being of our community.
