Richmond Mayor Danny Avula to Reevaluate City's Relationship with Flock Safety Technology Amid Privacy Concerns
Richmond Mayor Danny Avula announced a reevaluation of the city's use of Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, specifically cameras provided by Flock Safety. This decision comes in response to a significant shift in public sentiment and growing privacy concerns surrounding the technology. Mayor Avula, who previously supported Flock's use for public safety benefits, stated that the issue is not closed and he remains open to community feedback. He acknowledged that the recent increase in public criticism signals a need to reassess the city's engagement with Flock. At least 20 other localities in Virginia, including Goochland County, have indicated they will cease using Flock technology, while Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield counties currently maintain active contracts. The Mayor's statement was delivered in a nearly four-minute video posted on the city's Instagram page.
