Flock Cameras: A Harrisonburg Update

Public safety and individual privacy should never be treated as competing values. Harrisonburg residents deserve thoughtful public conversations about the tools used in our community, the policies that guide them, and the accountability that follows.

Understanding Flock cameras and ALPRs

Flock cameras are networked surveillance cameras made by Flock Safety. Many use automated license plate readers (ALPRs), which capture license plate images and use software to search and share vehicle information. In Harrisonburg, the public discussion focused on how these tools are used, the privacy concerns they raise, and the safeguards needed for community trust.

The Harrisonburg community came together to raise concerns about the Flock cameras. Monica spent time listening — attending community conversations, hearing from residents directly, and taking those concerns seriously as a matter of public accountability. She spearheaded the movement that secured a unanimous City Council vote to remove the Flock cameras from Harrisonburg.

A public conversation in Harrisonburg

Residents brought their questions and concerns to City Council. The conversation centered on the City’s relationship with Flock Safety, the appropriate limits on surveillance technology, and the safeguards needed to protect community members. Listening to those concerns is a necessary part of local leadership.

WHSV reported on the Council vote to end its Flock Safety contract. Its coverage provides a useful record of the public action and the issues considered during the meeting. For readers who want to review that reporting directly, the source is linked below.

Why public accountability matters

Any public-safety tool must be paired with transparency. Residents should be able to ask practical questions: What information is collected? Who has access? How long is it retained? What outside agencies can request or receive it? What review process exists when the community has concerns?

These are not abstract questions. Clear policy, public notice, meaningful oversight, and regular review help make sure that technology serves people rather than leaving people in the dark. When a community raises concerns, elected leaders have a responsibility to engage carefully, review the facts, and act through an open public process.

Stay informed

Campaign Updates will continue to share source material and public information as it becomes available. Readers are encouraged to review the reporting and follow City Council discussions directly.

Source

Read WHSV’s report on the Harrisonburg City Council vote to end its contract with Flock Safety.