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Board tables Flock Safety contract after hours of public comment, seeks fuller sheriff briefing
Summary
After hours of public testimony both for and against a proposed extension of Alameda County's license-plate reader contract with Flock Safety, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to table the item and require a full staff report and sheriff's presentation at a set matter on April 21.
After roughly two hours of public comment in which residents, advocates and business owners clashed over privacy and public-safety trade-offs, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to table item 44, a proposed extension of the county's contract with Flock Safety for automated license-plate readers (ALPRs).
The move to delay the contract was made by Supervisor Marquez, who said supervisors and members of the public had remaining questions that the sheriff should be given time to answer in a formal presentation. "I'm respectfully requesting, I'm gonna make a motion to table item 44," Marquez said, asking that the item be scheduled as a set matter on April 21 with a full staff report and at least one presentation to the Public Protection Committee beforehand. Supervisor Tam seconded the motion. A roll-call vote recorded every supervisor as "Aye."
Why it matters: public speakers split sharply. Opponents said the technology and vendor have a track record of sharing data with out-of-state or federal agencies, creating a risk for immigrants and others who fear enforcement. "To approve FLOC cannot even be called negligence at this point," said Reem Suleiman, identifying herself as a senior campaign director at Fight for the Future and urging the board to reject item 44. Several speakers cited recent audits and contract pauses in Mountain View and Santa Cruz as evidence of Flock's problems.
Speakers in favor said the tools have helped deputies solve violent crimes and recover stolen vehicles in under-resourced unincorporated areas. "It helps law enforcement solve crimes, recover stolen vehicles, and protect residents and small businesses," said a supporter during public comment who identified experience with public safety operations, and other commenters credited ALPRs with improving investigative outcomes in parts of Alameda County.
A central factual dispute in the hearing involved control over ALPR data. Opponents said Flock and other vendors have shared data with federal agencies in ways that circumvent local protections; supporters and some county comments said the county retains control over access and retention policies. "The data collected by these cameras is controlled by cities and counties, Alameda County, not by Flock," one supporter said during public comment.
What the board directed: The board asked for a staff report and a public presentation from the sheriff's office to be included in the April 21 agenda when it returns as a set matter. Supervisor Marquez said the additional time would give the sheriff's office a chance to prepare answers to supervisors' questions and allow the public to review materials in advance.
Next steps: Item 44 will return to the full board as a set matter on April 21 at 03:00, with the board requesting a complete staff report and an in-person sheriff's presentation prior to any vote.
