San Rafael public urges SRPD to report ICE activity, audit Flock cameras and address vendor trafficking

San Rafael — Community members urged the Police Advisory and Accountability Committee on March 18 to seek regular updates from the police department about local interactions with U.S. immigration authorities and to tighten audits of commercial surveillance systems after public fears about data sharing were raised.

Multiple speakers during public comment said the committee should require SRPD to report ICE activity — "even if there's nothing to report" — to reassure residents. One public commenter said, "I want to know that because now they don't have to report anything to us," arguing that monthly confirmation of "no activity" would reduce community fear about immigration enforcement.

Surveillance and audits: Commenters also raised concerns about Flock vehicle‑tracking cameras and urged more frequent vendor audits and transparency around who receives data from the camera vendor. Staff acknowledged the concerns and said procurement and audit processes exist but that more frequent review could be considered.

Police update and enforcement context: Lieutenant Everly provided a departmental personnel update earlier in the meeting, reporting "we have three officers currently in the police academy set to graduate in May," two officers starting in April and recruitment underway for dispatch and cadet positions. Committee members asked for more details on staffing projections and how SRPD envisions enforcement and outreach in areas where vendors and solicitation appear.

Street vending, labor trafficking and enforcement approach: Later in the meeting a District Attorney‑led presentation and a survivor advocate highlighted food vending and door‑to‑door solicitation as venues where labor exploitation can occur. Speakers urged trauma‑informed contact and said punitive enforcement (large fines or confiscation) can worsen victims’ situations if vendors are being exploited by third parties. Staff said San Rafael has a permitting process and is developing a pilot marketplace and vendor support program to provide legal pathways for legitimate vendors.

Administrative actions: The committee approved the meeting minutes by roll call earlier in the evening. Members asked staff to return at a future meeting with program inventories, clarification of SRPD training and existing countywide responses before the committee considers creating a new task force.

What’s next: Committee members supported the idea of coordinated action — training for police, collaboration with schools and community groups, and targeted outreach to vulnerable neighborhoods — but asked staff to map existing programs and resources so recommendations can be specific and avoid duplication.