Flock’s pitch to police: Be like Richmond and Oakland

August 15, 2026 - 00:15

The debate over automated license plate readers continues to split local governments, and Richmond is the latest example. The city council recently voted to extend its contract with Flock Safety, but the decision was far from unanimous. Several council members voiced concerns about privacy and the long-term effectiveness of the surveillance network. Despite that divide, the company itself is spinning the outcome as a clear endorsement.

Flock's internal materials now point to Richmond as a model city, alongside Oakland, for how police departments can adopt the technology. The company's handbook for law enforcement agencies highlights Richmond's use of the cameras as a success story, emphasizing how they help solve property crimes and locate stolen vehicles. What the handbook does not mention is the heated public comment sessions or the council members who voted no.

The split in Richmond mirrors a broader trend. Some cities have banned the technology outright, while others have embraced it with few restrictions. Oakland, which Flock also cites, has had its own controversies, including questions about data retention and access by non-police agencies. Still, Flock's pitch to new departments is simple: look at Richmond and Oakland, and you will see that the systems work.

For now, Richmond's cameras will stay on. But the narrow vote suggests the issue is not settled. Residents who opposed the extension have promised to keep pushing for stricter oversight, and some council members have already asked for a review of how the data is used. The company may call Richmond a win, but the fight over surveillance is far from over.