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Council approves $1 million expansion to Flock Group public-safety contract over objections from two members
Summary
The council authorized a third amendment to the Flock Group contract to expand license-plate readers, pan-tilt-zoom cameras, gunshot and screech-detection software, and a mobile trailer and drone capability; the motion passed with Mayor Martinez, Council Members Jimenez and Wilson voting no.
The Richmond City Council approved a third amendment to the city’s contract with Flock Group Inc., increasing the contract cap by $1,000,000 to a total not to exceed $2,003,700 (term March 1, 2023–Feb. 28, 2026). The amendment expands license-plate readers (ALPR), pan‑tilt‑zoom (PTZ) cameras, gunshot and screech‑tire detection, a camera‑trailer mobile unit, and plans for a “drone as first responder” capability.
Police Chief Lisa French and Captain Eric Smith presented the proposal and described the technologies: expanded ALPRs and PTZ cameras, integrated audio‑based detection for gunshots and screeching tires (Flock’s sound‑detection product), mobile trailers with PTZ and ALPR capability for temporary deployment, and the potential to use drones to get fast aerial views during incidents. Chief French said roughly $440,000 of the amendment is attributable to police needs; other departments (public works, library, city facilities, the port) requested cameras for staff safety and property protection.
Council members expressed questions about scope, data retention and sanctuary policy compliance. Staff said ALPR reads are purged every 30 days except when retained as evidence for active investigations, and described contractual and legal protections requiring compliance with city policies. Council Member Wilson and Council Member Jimenez both voted no; both asked for stronger documentation of data governance and promised to review the contract’s privacy safeguards. Public commenters raised surveillance concerns and offered alternatives such as fake cameras as deterrents.
Supporters and staff said existing ALPR and camera deployments already show operational results: departmental reporting cited dozens of vehicle recoveries and arrests assisted by ALPRs and camera footage (122 vehicles recovered through November; 121 arrests associated with LPR-assisted cases in the reporting period cited). Staff said some existing systems are aging and the requested funds also cover replacement of antiquated equipment and installation costs, including power adapters for light‑pole installations and signage.
The council vote passed with Council Members Jimenez and Wilson and Mayor Martinez voting no; remaining members voted yes. The amendment directs staff to continue oversight, includes a mobile trailer for temporary deployment of PTZ/ALPR, and holds that data‑sharing outside the city will be limited and governed by contract terms.
