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Alameda County supervisors table Flock Safety contract after hours of public comment
Summary
After more than two hours of public comment for and against a proposed extension of the county's license-plate-reader contract with Flock Safety, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to table item 44 for a staff presentation and public set matter on April 21, 2026.
Alameda County supervisors voted unanimously to table a proposed extension of the county's contract with Flock Safety after extended public comment that highlighted sharply divided views about license-plate-reader (ALPR) cameras.
Dozens of residents and advocates testified on both sides of the issue. Opponents said the technology risks exposing immigrant and other vulnerable communities to federal enforcement and private data access. "To approve Flock cannot even be called negligence at this point," Reem Suleiman, senior campaign director at Fight for the Future, said, urging supervisors to vote no. Several speakers cited audits and recent local actions that paused or canceled Flock contracts in other Bay Area cities.
Supporters, including residents of unincorporated Alameda County and business owners, said the ALPR system helps deputies recover stolen vehicles, identify suspects and reduce dangerous pursuits. Edward Escobar, representing a coalition for community engagement, told the board tools like Flock help deputies "respond quickly, track suspects accurately, and bring justice to families who would otherwise be forgotten." A pro-Flock speaker noted the proposed extension runs through June 30, 2026, and said the county controls data access and retention policies.
Supervisor Alisa Marquez moved to table item 44 and requested the sheriff make a comprehensive presentation to the Public Protection Committee and to the full board as a set matter. Supervisor Tam seconded the motion. The board agreed that a staff report and a clear agenda packet must be published in advance so supervisors and the public can review answers to outstanding questions about data access, retention, and oversight. On roll call the motion to table passed: Marquez, Tam, Miley, Fortuna de Bos and President Halbert voting aye.
The board set a public set matter for April 21, 2026 at 03:00 to hear the sheriff's presentation and a staff report, and directed county staff to provide the presentation and written materials in advance. The item will return for formal consideration at that meeting. For now, the extension was not approved and no new contractual term took effect.
