I urge Pasadena City Council to put safety over surveillance and cut ties with Flock.

Flock ALPR cameras are being used for indiscriminate surveillance, tracking and targeting of countless individuals. While Flock, law enforcement and city government tout the benefits of automated license plate readers for public safety, in reality it endangers everyone - in particular immigrants and their families, people of color, people seeking sensitive healthcare, and the many exercising civil liberties like free speech.

Flock's indiscriminate surveillance is in conflict with constitutional protections and numerous civil liberties groups such as the ACLU and the Electronic Frontier Foundation arguing that the technology infringes on Americans’ right to privacy under the Fourth Amendment. Despite repeated attempts from Flock to reform their system, it is apparent ALPR is problematic, insecure and can have devastating consequences for innocent individuals. Academics, researchers and experts overwhelmingly agree that there's a lack of evidence linking Flock to crime reduction rates.

There is overwhelming evidence of abuse and misuse of ALPR systems across the country - and Pasadena's ALPR systems are no exception. Pasadena was notified that it was sharing ALPR information across the country, the city lacked ALPR data retention restrictions, and many residents have expressed privacy concerns over the years. Despite this, Pasadena Police says Flock is a "useful tool" - yes, it is useful in diverting resources that would otherwise go towards community oriented public safety solutions that don't infringe on our civil liberties.

Pasadena should join dozens of cities across the country who have ended their contracts with Flock, removed cameras and rejected any ALPR replacements such as Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, Santa Clara County, Santa Cruz, and others.

Pasadena, choose your constituents. Restore trust, restore accountability and uphold our constitutional rights. End all ties with Flock now.

Pasadena Public Safety Committee

https://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/city-council-public-safety-committee/

Agenda item: 3. Flock Update (Information Item)

When: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Where: Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers - 100 N. Garfield Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91109

Zoom Link: cityofpasadena.net/cczoom

Webinar ID: Telephone only dial-in: 1-669-900-6833, Meeting ID: 161482446