Get the Flock Out of our Cities!

Posted byAdmin-KLPosted inCurrentTags:,

Flock automated license plate readers (ALPRs) are now installed in at least 5,000 communities across the United States. Police and sheriffs departments are already misusing the data collected, and highly questionable searches and data transfers have occurred in high numbers. 

ICE and Homeland Security are accessing this data–indeed, the readers in the city of Santa Cruz were supposed to be obtained through a Department of Homeland Security grant, but that money came out of the general fund instead. Now, the SCPD is hoping to install 14 more ALPRs through DHS grants. One woman was tracked through the national Flock system by a Texas police department after having an abortion. Police departments and federal agencies already share a casual culture of camaraderie and data sharing.

Our city councils and other government bodies should remove these cameras ASAP. We do not need to contribute to the mass surveillance infrastructure in this nation, especially under an authoritarian regime. See this Moment of Truth Dispatch article for more.

Actions you can take to remove ALPRs from your community:

  1. Sign on to our campaign! Please email us at GTFOSCC@proton.me to add your name, title and/or organization as a supporter of this campaign (or if you have questions)
  2. Send a letter to Santa Cruz, Watsonville, and Capitola City Councils. Please copy/paste the template in ths toolkit. Add/edit/amend as you see fit.
    • Do you live elsewhere in Santa Cruz County, and want to email your elected officials? Click here.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING KEEP ALL OF US SAFE BY SPEAKING OUT AGAINST ALPRS!!!