Stockton Approves Flock Camera Expansion Despite Resident Backlash

City council greenlights $3.15 million contract with controversial surveillance tech firm.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:29am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Stockton City Council has approved a $3.15 million contract amendment with Flock Safety Group Inc. to expand the use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras across the city, despite strong opposition from local residents concerned about privacy and civil liberties.

Why it matters

Flock's ALPR technology has faced criticism in many communities for its potential to enable mass surveillance and disproportionately impact marginalized groups. Stockton's decision to move forward with the expansion highlights the ongoing tensions between public safety priorities and individual privacy rights.

The details

The contract amendment will allow Flock to install additional ALPR cameras in Stockton, expanding the city's existing network of surveillance technology. Flock's systems capture license plate data that can be used by law enforcement to track vehicle movements and identify individuals.

  • The Stockton City Council approved the contract amendment on Tuesday, April 2, 2026.

The players

Flock Safety Group Inc.

A technology company that provides automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems to law enforcement agencies and municipalities.

Stockton City Council

The governing body of the city of Stockton, California, which voted to approve the Flock camera expansion contract.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must prioritize public safety, but not at the expense of our civil liberties. This decision by the city council is deeply concerning and we will continue to fight against the unchecked expansion of surveillance technology in our community.”

— Samantha Hernandez, Stockton resident and privacy advocate

What’s next

Residents opposed to the Flock camera expansion plan to continue advocating against the decision and exploring legal challenges to the contract.

The takeaway

Stockton's approval of the Flock camera expansion highlights the ongoing tensions between public safety priorities and individual privacy rights, as communities across the country grapple with the increasing use of surveillance technology by local governments.