1. United States
2. N.D.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to reject Flock Safety automatic license plate readers and similar mass surveillance systems in our community. These devices represent an unconstitutional violation of Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure, and documented abuses demonstrate they pose a serious threat to civil liberties. Flock Safety, an Atlanta-based company valued at $7.5 billion, currently operates in approximately 6,000 US communities. These cameras collect license plate images and other identifying data to fingerprint vehicles and track movements without requiring warrants. The data is routinely accessed by ICE and other federal agencies, often without municipal knowledge or consent. The pattern of abuse is alarming and well-documented. A Georgia police chief was arrested for using Flock data to stalk citizens. The systems have been used to track people crossing state lines for abortions. Law enforcement agencies claim these systems reduce crime, but there is very little evidence supporting that assertion. Meanwhile, privacy violations and abuse allegations continue to rise. Public opposition to these surveillance systems is widespread and bipartisan. At least 46 cities have officially rejected Flock and other ALPRs, including Santa Cruz, California and Eugene, Oregon, which successfully cancelled their contracts. Citizens in at least five states have taken matters into their own hands by destroying Flock cameras, including incidents in La Mesa, California, Eugene and Springfield, Oregon, Greenview, Illinois, Lisbon, Connecticut, and Virginia. In Virginia alone, one resident destroyed 13 cameras between April and October 2024, stating he appreciates privacy and everyone's Fourth Amendment rights. I urge you to stand with the growing number of communities rejecting this invasive technology. Reject Flock cameras and similar mass surveillance systems that enable warrantless tracking of law-abiding citizens. Our constitutional rights to privacy and freedom of movement must not be sacrificed for unproven claims of public safety.