Richmond Residents Rally Against Flock License Plate Readers

Protesters argue the surveillance technology threatens community safety and privacy

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Residents of Richmond, Virginia rallied against the use of Flock license plate reader cameras by the Richmond Police Department, arguing the technology fuels mass surveillance and threatens community safety by tracking daily life without judicial oversight. Police defend the cameras as a vital investigative tool that has helped solve crimes, but protesters say the surveillance disproportionately impacts Black, brown and low-income communities.

Why it matters

The debate over Flock cameras highlights the growing tensions between law enforcement's use of surveillance technology and community concerns over privacy, civil liberties and equitable policing. As more cities adopt these types of license plate readers, the Richmond case underscores the need to balance public safety with protecting individual rights.

The details

Richmond has 99 Flock automatic license plate readers installed across the city, which police say have helped solve crimes including homicides, missing persons cases and hit-and-runs. However, protesters argue the cameras track "everybody, everywhere, all the time" without proper oversight. They cite a 2025 incident where a federal agency used Richmond's Flock data for unauthorized immigration enforcement as an example of the risks. Police say they do not enforce federal immigration law and would deny such requests, but residents remain unconvinced of the cameras' necessity and impact on marginalized communities.

  • On Monday, February 23, 2026, protesters rallied against the Flock cameras in Richmond.
  • In July 2025, a federal agency used Richmond's Flock program data for unauthorized immigration enforcement activities.

The players

Cullen Murr

A 5th District resident who said he can see four Flock ALPRs from the end of his driveway.

Steven Keener

A 7th District resident who said "These cameras are tracking everybody, everywhere, all the time."

Kalia Harris

A 7th District resident who said "This type of surveillance does not keep us safe — instead, it turns our community into even more of a police state."

Rick Edwards

The Richmond Police Chief who stated the department does not enforce federal immigration law and would deny requests to access Flock data for that purpose.

Danny Avula

The Mayor of Richmond who supports the use of Flock cameras.

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What they’re saying

“If I stand at the end of my driveway, I can see four Flock ALPRs. I cannot leave home in a vehicle without being tracked.”

— Cullen Murr, 5th District resident

“These cameras are tracking everybody, everywhere, all the time.”

— Steven Keener, 7th District resident

“This type of surveillance does not keep us safe — instead, it turns our community into even more of a police state.”

— Kalia Harris, 7th District resident

“I've been clear with the public, with city leadership and within this department: the Richmond Police Department does not enforce federal immigration law, and we do not investigate a person's immigration status. If ATF had formally requested access for that purpose, I would have denied it.”

— Rick Edwards, Richmond Police Chief

What’s next

Richmond City Council's public safety committee will discuss the Flock cameras during a meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

The takeaway

The debate over Flock license plate readers in Richmond highlights the broader tensions between law enforcement's use of surveillance technology and community concerns over privacy, civil liberties and equitable policing. As more cities adopt these types of systems, finding the right balance between public safety and protecting individual rights will be an ongoing challenge.