Richmond Extends Flock License Plate Reader Contract Despite Privacy Concerns

City council votes to keep controversial surveillance technology active through 2026 amid debate over data sharing and public safety impacts.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:33am

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The Richmond City Council voted 4-3 to extend the city's contract with Flock, the company that operates automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and other surveillance technology in the city. The decision came despite concerns from some council members and community groups about Flock's data sharing practices and the potential impact on privacy and civil liberties, especially for undocumented immigrants in Richmond's sanctuary city. Police Chief Timothy Simmons argued the technology is needed to fight rising auto thefts, but critics pushed back on his data analysis and claimed Flock is untrustworthy.

Why it matters

This vote highlights the ongoing debate over the use of surveillance technology in cities, balancing public safety concerns with privacy rights. Richmond's status as a sanctuary city adds an additional layer of complexity, as some fear the Flock data could be accessed by federal immigration authorities. The decision also reflects a broader divide in the city between those who prioritize law enforcement tools and those focused on civil liberties and police reform.

The details

The Flock ALPR system was originally installed in Richmond in 2023 as part of a $1 million per year contract. In 2025, the city expanded the contract by another $1 million to add drone technology and other features. However, the system was turned off last year after it was discovered that Flock's "national search" feature made Richmond's data accessible to outside agencies, a major concern for the sanctuary city. Despite this, the city council voted to reactivate the Flock system through the end of 2026, when the contract will be reevaluated.

  • In November 2025, Richmond police Chief Timothy Simmons turned off the Flock Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system after discovering the "national search" feature.
  • On March 17, 2026, the Richmond City Council voted 4-3 to extend the Flock contract through the end of 2026.

The players

Jamelia Brown

Richmond City Council member who voted to extend the Flock contract.

Soheila Bana

Richmond City Council member who initially expressed distrust of Flock but later voted to extend the contract.

Cesar Zepeda

Richmond City Council member who voted to extend the Flock contract.

Doria Robinson

Richmond Vice Mayor who voted to extend the Flock contract despite some concerns.

Timothy Simmons

Richmond police Chief who argued the Flock technology is needed to fight rising auto thefts.

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What they’re saying

“We are disappointed to hear that tonight, the Richmond City Council voted to extend the city's contract with Flock. Community organizations from across the county agree that Flock presents clear privacy concerns to our Richmond residents. Despite this, the City Council has decided to jeopardize the security and privacy of our residents under the guise of public safety.”

— Reimagine Richmond, Community organization

“I find it offensive that Flock allowed that national search feature to be deployed and did not inform us that that was happening knowing that we are a sanctuary city and knowing that was a big deal. You have to understand when you know your system you should have pointed that out and made it clear. To me, it was disingenuous and makes you a company that is not trustworthy.”

— Doria Robinson, Richmond Vice Mayor

“It's happening to cities around the country because Flock is designed to deceive us into thinking our data is safe when it is not, in my opinion. I think where we are different is that you (Simmons) have confidence that Flock has changed and I do not.”

— Sue Wilson, Richmond City Council member

What’s next

The Richmond City Council will reevaluate the Flock contract at the end of 2026.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the ongoing tensions in Richmond between public safety concerns and civil liberties, with the city's status as a sanctuary adding an extra layer of complexity. While some council members believe the Flock technology is necessary to combat crime, others remain deeply skeptical of the company's data sharing practices and its potential impact on marginalized communities.