April 22, 2026 PAB Regular Meeting

The City of Berkeley Police Accountability Board held its regular meeting on April 22, 2026, with key discussions focusing on procurement and policy oversight related to police surveillance technology. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to reviewing the proposed surveillance technology ordinance and police equipment contracts, particularly concerning the Flock Safety contract. Board members expressed concerns about the procurement process, noting that the current approach to contracting with Flock may not comply with the city's procurement manual, as no formal competitive bidding was conducted. The board emphasized the importance of competitive procurement to ensure fiscal responsibility, data privacy, and better vendor selection. They also discussed the possibility of scheduling a special meeting to address these issues before the city council's May 7 consideration of the ordinance. Additionally, budget discussions highlighted the challenges of fixed costs and potential staff reductions, with no immediate board action required. Public comments supported careful oversight of surveillance contracts and emphasized community engagement in budget and policing matters.