LAPD suspends Flock Safety license plate readers over data concerns

LAPD ends automated surveillance partnership

The Los Angeles Police Department has suspended its use of Flock Safety's automated license plate reader cameras after a three-year contract expired over the weekend, citing unresolved concerns about data governance and privacy protections.

The decision affects 138 pole-mounted cameras operated by the Atlanta-based company throughout Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles Times, which first reported the development, Flock Safety is one of several vendors the city uses for automated license plate recognition technology.

In a statement to KTLA, LAPD officials said they made "the difficult decision to suspend Flock access" due to a lack of clarity regarding data ownership, security, privacy, data sharing practices, and breach notification procedures. The department emphasized its commitment to using investigative technology "in a responsible, transparent and accountable manner" and said it needs tools "governed by the highest standards of stewardship."

Privacy advocates cite immigration enforcement risks

The suspension follows mounting concerns from privacy advocates and local officials about mass surveillance of ordinary residents and potential data sharing with federal agencies. A primary concern centers on whether information collected by the cameras could be accessed for immigration enforcement operations.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado introduced a motion earlier this year to halt expansion of Flock Safety technology in the city and establish stronger oversight of automated license plate reader systems. Her office cited examples from Illinois, Texas, Washington, and New York where jurisdictions have suspended or terminated Flock Safety contracts over similar privacy and civil liberties concerns.

"Public safety cannot come at the cost of civil rights, immigrant protections, or the trust of the communities we serve," Jurado said in a May statement. She argued that surveillance technology deployed without transparency and enforceable limits "creates fear instead of safety."

Why it matters

The LAPD's decision reflects growing tension between law enforcement's desire for investigative tools and cities' obligations to protect resident privacy and comply with sanctuary policies. As automated surveillance technology becomes ubiquitous in American cities, the Los Angeles case may influence how other major jurisdictions negotiate vendor contracts and establish data governance standards. The outcome could set precedent for balancing public safety technology with civil liberties protections.

Company disputes characterization

Flock Safety told KTLA the suspension came as a "surprise" and disputed what it called "current misconceptions" about its technology. A company spokesperson said Flock has been working with LAPD to ensure "strong privacy protections, strict auditability, clear accountability and appropriate limits around data access."

The spokesperson noted that LAPD continues to use license plate reader technology from other vendors and expressed confidence that "through ongoing discussions with LAPD, we can clear up the current misconceptions that led to today's disappointing pause."

Following the announcement, Councilmember Jurado called for answers before any new agreement is signed, including questions about data ownership, access permissions, whether data has been shared with federal agencies or used for immigration searches, and the role of private donations in expanding the camera network.

No timeline has been announced for when the department will make a final decision on resuming the partnership or pursuing alternative vendors.

Details were first reported by the Los Angeles Times and KTLA.