Cal Poly Defends Flock Safety Cameras Amid Student Backlash

University officials address concerns over data sharing and privacy at student government meeting.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 3:03am

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Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong and campus police officials defended the university's use of Flock Safety license plate reader cameras, addressing student concerns over data sharing and privacy. During a student government meeting, the officials said the cameras are used only for investigations and that the university does not share data with outside agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without a court order. However, students demanded more transparency and involvement in the decision-making process around the surveillance technology.

Why it matters

The use of Flock Safety cameras on college campuses has become a controversial topic, with students raising concerns about privacy, data sharing, and the potential for misuse. This case highlights the tension between campus safety initiatives and student civil liberties, as well as the need for universities to engage with their student communities when implementing new surveillance technologies.

The details

Cal Poly has partnered with Flock Safety to install 10 automatic license plate reader cameras and 7 live-feed cameras on campus. University officials say the cameras are used only for investigations and that data is not shared with outside agencies like ICE without a court order. However, students have started a petition calling for the removal of the Flock cameras, citing concerns over privacy and data sharing. During a student government meeting, officials addressed these concerns, clarifying that the university does not share data and that the cameras do not have facial recognition capabilities. They also said that while no system is 100% foolproof, employees would be held accountable for misusing the data.

  • On March 4, 2026, Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong addressed the Flock Safety cameras during a town hall meeting.
  • On the same day, March 4, 2026, the Cal Poly Police Department provided more details on the Flock cameras at a student government board of directors meeting.

The players

Jeffrey Armstrong

The president of Cal Poly who addressed the Flock Safety cameras during a town hall meeting.

Marc Cabeliza

The ASI (Associated Students, Inc.) president who redirected a conversation to discuss the Flock cameras with President Armstrong.

George Hughes

The assistant vice president of public safety at Cal Poly who presented information on the university's Flock Safety cameras to the student government board of directors.

Kayla Cavazos

A member of the ASI Board of Directors who said students would appreciate a seat at the table when decisions about surveillance technology are made.

Tobias Halpern

A student who started a petition calling for the removal of Flock Safety cameras from the Cal Poly campus.

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What they’re saying

“We will work to get more information out and make sure that it's clear, but these cameras are there for our collective safety.”

— Jeffrey Armstrong, President, Cal Poly

“As opposed to just telling us why Flock cameras are okay and it's all going to be fine, students would appreciate a seat at the table when these decisions are made.”

— Kayla Cavazos, Member, ASI Board of Directors

“The registrar's office has more of your personal information than this Flock system has.”

— George Hughes, Assistant Vice President of Public Safety, Cal Poly

What’s next

Cal Poly officials said they are in talks to host a public meeting to further address students' questions and concerns about the Flock Safety cameras.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for universities to balance campus safety initiatives with student privacy concerns when implementing new surveillance technologies. Engaging students in the decision-making process and maintaining transparency around data usage and sharing policies is crucial to building trust and addressing civil liberties issues.