Staunton Removes Some Flock Safety ALPR Cameras

City cancels contract with Flock Safety amid resident privacy concerns and political controversy.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The city of Staunton, Virginia has begun removing some of the six Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras that were installed in the city in November 2024. The removal comes after Staunton City Council decided to cancel its contract with Flock Safety in December 2025 following pushback from residents concerned about privacy issues and politically charged emails from Flock's CEO.

Why it matters

The removal of the Flock Safety ALPR cameras in Staunton highlights the growing debate around the use of mass surveillance technology by local governments and law enforcement, and the need to balance public safety concerns with individual privacy rights. The controversy in Staunton also underscores the political tensions that can arise when cities partner with private surveillance companies.

The details

While some of the Flock Safety cameras have been removed, at least one camera on Commerce Road remains in place. Staunton Police Chief Jim Williams said Flock has "not been responsive" in coordinating the full removal of the cameras. Resident Deborah Kushner, who pushed the city council to remove the cameras, celebrated the partial removal but warned that "residents must remain vigilant" against future surveillance efforts.

  • The Flock Safety ALPR cameras were installed in Staunton in November 2024.
  • Staunton City Council decided to cancel its contract with Flock Safety in December 2025.
  • As of February 11, 2026, a few but not all of the six Flock Safety cameras have been removed.

The players

Staunton City Council

The local government body that decided to cancel the city's contract with Flock Safety after receiving pushback from residents.

Jim Williams

The Staunton Police Chief who said Flock Safety has "not been responsive" in coordinating the removal of the ALPR cameras.

Deborah Kushner

A Staunton resident who pushed the city council to remove the Flock Safety cameras and warned that "residents must remain vigilant" against future surveillance efforts.

Garrett Langley

The CEO of Flock Safety, whose "politically charged email" to Staunton officials contributed to the city's decision to cancel the ALPR camera contract.

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What they’re saying

“Residents must remain vigilant, to current and future infringements. I trust lessons were learned: the public must be part of the conversation. Mass surveillance may not be halted as easily the next time. I support a new city ordinance barring any mass surveillance. We cannot afford any of our freedoms to slip away, when they are being wrenched away due to authoritarianism's rise.”

— Deborah Kushner, Staunton Resident (The News Leader)

What’s next

The remaining Flock Safety ALPR camera on Commerce Road is still scheduled to be removed, but the timeline is uncertain as Flock has "not been responsive" to the city's requests.

The takeaway

The removal of the Flock Safety ALPR cameras in Staunton underscores the growing tension between public safety and individual privacy rights when it comes to the use of surveillance technology by local governments. This controversy highlights the need for greater transparency and public input when cities partner with private companies on surveillance initiatives.