Wednesday, the city’s Budget and Government Efficiency Committee will discuss whether to stop using the controversial technology.

SAN DIEGO — The debate over the City of San Diego’s use of Automated License Plate Readers, or “Flock Safety” cameras, continues. Wednesday, the city’s Budget and Government Efficiency Committee will discuss whether to stop using the controversial technology. 

During a virtual press conference held Tuesday, Flock Safety shared data provided by the San Diego Police Department last week, stating that since 2023, ALPRs have supported 907 criminal investigations, 687 arrests, located five missing people, led to a 20% year-over-year drop in auto thefts and cited that in 2025, ALPR technology helped support 10 of San Diego’s 28 homicide cases. 

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“These are real people, these are real stories and these are real crimes that would’ve gone unsolved if Flock’s license plate reader systems hadn’t been available. Which is now looking like it could be the case moving forward,” Trevor Chandler, Senior Director of Public Affairs for Flock Safety, said. 

The technology is supported by San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl and Mayor Todd Gloria. 

But many San Diegans vehemently oppose ALPRs due to mass surveillance concerns, fears of data sharing with federal agencies like ICE and the risk of police misuse. 

Last month, the ACLU Foundation of San Diego and Imperial Counties filed a lawsuit against the city and SDPD to halt the use of Flock Safety cameras. 

Last week, City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, who previously voted to keep the cameras in the city, announced he is switching his stance. 

“While I do believe that ALPRs are an effective public safety tool, we can’t have our own residents living in fear of the city’s cameras. It’s not worth it. So, the cameras have to go,” Whitburn said on Oct. 13. 

Meanwhile, ahead of Wednesday’s meeting, Councilmember Henry Foster III will hold a press conference to announce the introduction of an item to end the city’s use policy of Flock technology. 

Foster will formally introduce his proposal during the Budget and Government Efficiency Committee meeting at 9 a.m.