Pomona implements new strategy using Flock cameras to reduce prostitution in the area.

In Pomona, California, the Holt Avenue corridor, long recognized as a hotspot for sex work and human trafficking, is undergoing significant changes thanks to the implementation of surveillance technology. The Pomona Police Department has installed Flock cameras along this stretch, aiming to combat the persistent issues of prostitution and trafficking that have troubled the area for years.

In June 2025, the police department unveiled a state-of-the-art real-time information center designed to enhance data analysis and surveillance. Equipped with Flock cameras, this center has reportedly contributed to a decrease in activity along Holt Avenue, a previously red-hot area for such crimes, according to Sergeant Jesus Cardenas.

Recent statistics illustrate a marked increase in prostitution-related arrests in Pomona, jumping from 47 in 2024 to 313 by October 13, 2026. This spike follows the introduction of a stricter public indecency law that enables officers to make arrests based on general intent, rather than the more challenging specific intent criteria.

While arrests for prostitution have surged, trafficking-related arrests have seen a decline, dropping from four in 2024 to just one in 2026. Authorities attribute this decrease to the proactive measures enabled by the technology and information systems in place.

The real-time information center features large-screen displays and staffing that includes data analysts and a drone operator, allowing for coordinated surveillance across the city. Flock’s automatic license plate readers play a critical role in identifying potential sex purchasers, or “johns,” with letters sent to vehicle owners as a deterrent against engaging in illicit activity.

Despite the apparent successes, the introduction of such technology has not been without controversy. Community members have expressed concerns over privacy and potential misuse of data, spurring debates at City Council and police oversight meetings. Ivan Hernández, a local activist with the nonprofit Gente Organizada, emphasizes that surveillance technology can lead to over-policing vulnerable populations, particularly as cities transform through gentrification.

Calls for data transparency and a review of the Flock contract highlight growing public anxiety regarding surveillance practices. Pomona officials are reportedly revisiting the terms to address community concerns, including data sharing with federal agencies.

As Pomona’s police department continues to navigate these complex issues, the balance between community safety and respecting individual privacy rights remains a central theme in discussions surrounding the use of surveillance technology in modern policing. The outcomes of these initiatives will be closely monitored by both city officials and the community at large.