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Residents urge cancellation of Flock cameras as police and council defend limited, audited use
Summary
Public commenters urged Richmond to cancel its Flock Safety contract over privacy and misuse concerns; Police Chief Rick Edwards and several council members defended the technology’s investigative value, cited court rulings and new state law (effective 07/01/2025) that limits retention and access, and said audits and penalties would be enforced for misuse.
Public comment at a Richmond Public Safety Standing Committee meeting on [date] featured sharply divided views about the city’s contract with Flock Safety, the private vendor that provides automated license-plate readers (ALPR) and related systems.
"I’m here asking that you cancel the city's contract with Flock," Penny Page told the committee, arguing the technology is prone to misuse and pointing to anecdotal rather than clear research on effectiveness. Several other residents and advocates echoed that view, saying cameras and ALPRs risk unauthorized searches and disproportionate impacts on immigrant and minority communities.
Chief Rick Edwards, however, framed the systems as targeted…
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