LAPD suspends Flock Safety license‑plate camera program over data‑ownership dispute

The Los Angeles Police Department halted its contract with surveillance firm Flock Safety on July 11, after the three‑year agreement expired. Department officials cited a lack of clear terms on who owns and controls the footage captured by the automated license‑plate readers. Chief Information Officer Dean Gialamas said the agency’s “priority is to protect the constitutional rights and civil liberties of the people we serve” and that it needs “very clear terms about who owns the data.”

An audit by the LAPD Inspector General found no formal agreements governing data security, privacy, access controls, retention or auditing for any of the department’s three license‑plate‑reader vendors. The audit recommended suspending new contracts and establishing enforceable requirements. The department’s decision follows criticism that Flock’s data have been accessed by federal immigration authorities, prompting protests and contract cancellations in other cities. While the 138 pole‑mounted cameras remain physically installed, they are disconnected from the LAPD system. West Hollywood officials, who also use Flock cameras, have limited external access after their own review.

Flock Safety called the pause “a disappointment” but expressed confidence that ongoing discussions will resolve the concerns.