Madeleine Biondi, Staff Writer
Saniyah Pullen, Contributing Writer
Restrictions enacted by the Flock camera company and local legislators limit access and use of Automation License Plate Reader data following a growing number of ending contracts and safety concerns.
Since their 2023 introduction, Virginia has a total of 3,285 Flock cameras — technically named Flock Falcons — statewide, with 99 located in Richmond, according to rva.gov. Over 20 of Virginia’s counties, including Goochland and King William have ended their contracts with Flock, according to Cardinal News.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger called for collaborative legislation that protects privacy and policing after stating that the demands to prohibit Flock cameras are ‘overly simplistic,’ according to WTOP.
On Aug. 13, Flock camera CEO Garrett Langley established new restrictions to limit data retention length and implement safeguards against misuse that will be instated in January 2027, according to a Flock press release.
Richmond stated that law enforcement agencies use the data received from Flock cameras to investigate missing and endangered persons, stolen vehicles, and limited ongoing investigations. When starting an investigation, officers are required to input a valid reason code, which allows them to view findings.
Richmond Chief of Police Rick Edwards acknowledged community concern in the February Public Safety Standing Committee meeting, but insisted on its efficacy and the strength of new regulations.
“I thought it was understood by our community that this is powerful, that it works, but it seems like I have to talk about it because the argument’s being made that it’s a waste of money,” Edwards said.
Edwards credited Flock cameras for solving multiple homicides, including the 2022 case of Tynashia Humphrey, the 2024 case of Marvin Ramos-Hernandez and the 2025 case of Darnell Christian. He also credited the technology for helping solve a recent arson, multiple hit-and-runs and a child abduction.
In each case, police were able to use a suspected vehicle’s identifying factors visible in security footage, such as make and model, to locate the suspect. Edwards said that in all cases the suspect was found guilty due to Flock’s strong evidence, with Humphrey’s and Ramos-Hernandez’s killers pleading guilty.
Jake Burns, VCU Police communications officer stated in an email the department’s investigators have used Automated License Plate Readers in 95 cases, 48 of which used Flock technology. As Flock cameras are only present on the MCV campus, VCU uses an additional 23 ALRPs called Leonardo ELSAG throughout both campuses.
“ALPR cameras may play a role following a criminal traffic incident or active threat,” Burns stated. “This means ALPR is used in a reactive nature to help identify previously unidentified vehicles related to a criminal traffic incident”.
The camera footage provides data including license plate information, car details and over time, a historic pattern analysis of travel. Flock uses ALPR technology, not including facial recognition, according to assistant professor of criminal justice Brad Lehmann.
This system differs from other law enforcement surveillance, such as red light cameras and speed cameras due to its expansive, searchable and often interconnected database, which Lehmann believes is the root issue.
“We want to believe that Flock can be used for altruistic purposes, but when ‘too many hands get into the cookie jar,’ it becomes difficult to regulate transparency of access,” said Brad Lehmann, assistant professor of criminal justice. “If this tool was only used for stolen vehicles, AMBER alerts, and proper investigative techniques, it likely wouldn’t be as visible as it is,” Lehmann said.
Beginning July 1, 2025, Virginia instated laws narrowing data usage and limiting the time footage is able for viewing to 21 days. The laws prevent data sharing with other state and federal agencies including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a restriction only present in Virginia and California.
Elaina Cooke, a second-year mass communications student, said she felt other means of surveillance were sufficient and the addition of Flock cameras changed her experience in public spaces.
“It’s a love-hate situation,” second-year student Elaina Cooke said. “At one point, the government’s trying to keep us safe but at the next they’re taking advantage of that.”
A fourth-year public relations major Andrea Mack said that her exposure to Flock cameras has been mostly through negative news about their misuse or locations by churches, parking lots and schools.
“I will say my opinion definitely has changed with people talking about they’re being used for watching people and not necessarily trying to catch the things they’re claiming to try to catch,” Mack said. “I guess I could see how Flock cameras in some areas could be helpful but I also think that can’t be the only solution. I like to be without being influenced and I feel like the presence of the Flock cameras influence people to be more on-guard.”
Richmond’s camera totals fall on the lower end of the spectrum, according to Edwards. In addition to Flock cameras, Richmond uses an unknown number of gunshot censors called Flock Ravens and two mobile ALPRs with plans to add two more.
Following public backlash, Flock made an announcement to remove vocal distress detection technology from Ravens, limiting the technology to gunshots, vehicle damage sounds and other specified disturbances.
Beginning in 2025, Richmond Democratic Socialists of America have been campaigning to “Block Flock” out of concern for privacy rights and data misuse.
“Richmond has experienced improper access to its ALPR system, while concerns about immigration-related searches, political surveillance, racial disparities, and the security of these databases have continued to grow,” the DSA said. “Richmond’s experience shows that having policies on paper does not eliminate the possibility of misuse, even when we do have a police department that is trying to be compliant with state limits.”
Sen. Glenn Sturtevant is one of several Virginia General Assembly members who plan to introduce legislation regarding ALPR cameras during the upcoming 2027 session.
Sturtevant said he does not believe that reform of the cameras is a realistic option to address Virginians’ concerns.
“As time has gone on people have learned more about them and they’re coming to the realization that it’s actually an interconnected, searchable surveillance network,” Sturtevant said.
Sturtevant encouraged citizens with concerns to contact their state legislatures on the matter.
“We need to focus on protecting people’s privacy and freedom and not allow these advancements in technology to infringe upon these rights,” Sturtevant said.