Flock ALPR Surveillance System
Summary
The council reviewed the Flock license-plate camera report and flagged serious problems: a statewide lookup feature switched on without authorization, searches without required case numbers, and data-sharing risks. The item will come back for a deeper discussion, and critics including the ACLU want the system suspended.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 6, 2026.
Impact analysis
Council questioned whether the city is getting sufficient value for the cost of the system.
Police say the system helps catch serious criminals and prevents wrongful arrests.
Privacy advocates say residents' vehicle movements are being mass-recorded and shared with unknown risk of abuse.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Council Regular Meeting — October 6, 2026
A resident urged suspension of the city's automatic license plate reader program, citing abuse cases and Monterey County's recent decision to end its Flock contract.
Council Regular Meeting — April 7, 2026
The council reviewed the Flock license-plate camera report and flagged serious problems: a statewide lookup feature switched on without authorization, searches without required case numbers, and data-sharing risks. The item will come back for a deeper discussion, and critics including the ACLU want the system suspended.
City of Monterey approves flock cameras
City of Monterey approves flock cameras KSBW
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