Why the mayor of a Virginia city wants Flock cameras gone - USA Today
The mayor of a Washington DC suburb said she does not believe Flock license plate reader cameras have a place in her Virginia city, which could mean the end to the city’s relationship with the controversial surveillance technology.
"While I do think there's a role for technology, and I do think we have seen the role that that has played and the benefit it has, I do not think there's a role for Flock in this community," Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins said, according to The Alexandria Brief.
Two council members also voiced support for moving away from Flock, as concerns continue to grow over privacy and how automated license plate reader data can be accessed and shared.
Alexandria has about 61 Flock cameras operating throughout the city, FOX 5 reports. The system captures license plates and other vehicle information, which police can use to help investigate crimes and locate vehicles.
The technology was defended by Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire, who reportedly said the cameras have provided a public safety benefit. He said Flock data is generally deleted after 21 days unless it is tied to an active investigation, and that access is limited to trained Alexandria police personnel.
The department also said it does not share Flock information with ICE and that Virginia law limits how license plate reader data can be shared with other agencies, according to ALX Now.
Still, Gaskins said the city can recognize the technology’s usefulness while deciding it no longer belongs in Alexandria.
City leaders did not make a final decision about ending the Flock contract, with officials now looking into alternatives that could provide similar technology without the concerns surrounding Flock. The city has used Flock since 2023, and McGuire said the contract can be terminated at any time.
The discussion comes as communities across the country reconsider their use of Flock amid concerns about mass surveillance, data sharing and potential misuse.
