Police & jail misconduct

Fresno Police audited just 3 of more than 8,000 monthly Flock license-plate-reader searches, then certified full compliance

Confidence: Corroborated · 3 sourcesCity of Fresno · Sep 22, 2026

Subject of this story

Fresno Police Department

Mindy Casto, Chief of Police, Fresno Police Department

Jerry Dyer, Mayor of Fresno

What happened

Fresno Police Department officers conducted 8,318 Flock automated license-plate-reader searches in a single month (September 14–October 13, 2025) out of more than 21 million plates scanned by 506 active users, but the department's own compliance audit reviewed only 3 randomly selected searches from a pool of 100 before concluding that "department members complied with department policy." Police Chief Mindy Casto has defended the program's crime-solving record and recommended renewing the city's Flock Safety contract, which the City Council is expected to vote on later in 2026; Mayor Jerry Dyer's administration has cited contract terms in declining to release metadata on where search data is shared.

Sources (3)

GV WireOfficers conducted 8,318 searches in a single month while the audit process examined only 3 searches randomly selected from a pool of 100 — a 0.036% review rate.

KVPRFresno Police Chief Mindy Casto addresses community concerns about AI-powered ALPR technology and describes department audit safeguards including 30-day data retention and officer training.

KVPRChief Casto reported the technology helped solve 70 percent of the city's murders so far in 2026, and described the department's camera audit process.

Response

Fresno Police Department

Statement given

Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.

Mindy Casto

Not yet contacted

Not yet contacted for this story.

Jerry Dyer

Not yet contacted

Not yet contacted for this story.

What happened next (0)

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