Richmond City Council extends Flock license plate reader contract amid privacy concerns

The Richmond City Council voted Tuesday to extend its contract with Flock Safety for its automated license plate reader cameras until the end of the year while the city administration explores alternative vendors.

Police departments use automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras to investigate crimes like stolen vehicles. But privacy watchdogs have raised concerns about federal agencies being able to access the camera data — a potential violation of state law — and using it for targeted surveillance of immigrants and other vulnerable groups.