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Santa Clara County Votes Against Using Flock Cameras
Decision could impact nearby cities like Los Altos Hills and Cupertino
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors has voted 3-2 to bar the Flock Safety company from providing license plate reader cameras in the county. This move tightens surveillance rules for contract cities like Saratoga, Cupertino, and Los Altos Hills. While Los Altos residents may not be directly affected, the decision could have ripple effects as nearby Mountain View has now permanently canceled its Flock contract and regional agencies rethink how they use automated plate readers and share data.
Why it matters
The vote by Santa Clara County supervisors reflects growing concerns over privacy and the use of surveillance technology by local governments. As more communities grapple with the balance between public safety and civil liberties, this decision could set a precedent and influence how other Bay Area cities approach the use of license plate readers and data-sharing agreements.
The details
In a 3-2 vote, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors decided to bar Flock Safety, a company that provides automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, from operating in the county. This move tightens surveillance rules for contract cities like Saratoga, Cupertino, and Los Altos Hills that had previously used Flock's services. While Los Altos residents may not be directly impacted, the decision could have ripple effects, as nearby Mountain View has now permanently canceled its Flock contract and regional agencies are rethinking how they use ALPRs and share data.
- On February 27, 2026, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to bar Flock Safety from providing license plate reader cameras in the county.
The players
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
The governing body of Santa Clara County, California, which voted to bar Flock Safety from providing license plate reader cameras in the county.
Flock Safety
A company that provides automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras to local governments and law enforcement agencies.
Saratoga
A city in Santa Clara County that had previously used Flock's services and will now be impacted by the county's decision to bar the company.
Cupertino
A city in Santa Clara County that had previously used Flock's services and will now be impacted by the county's decision to bar the company.
Los Altos Hills
A city in Santa Clara County that had previously used Flock's services and will now be impacted by the county's decision to bar the company.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
What’s next
The decision by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors could prompt other Bay Area communities to reevaluate their use of automated license plate readers and data-sharing agreements with companies like Flock Safety.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing debate over the use of surveillance technology by local governments and the need to balance public safety with individual privacy rights. As more communities grapple with these issues, the Santa Clara County decision could set a precedent and influence how other Bay Area cities approach the use of license plate readers and data-sharing.
