California is blanketed with an extensive network of surveillance cameras, with over 16,000 automated license plate readers from Flock Safety deployed across the state, according to data compiled by the open-source project DeFlock.
Flock's cameras constitute approximately 83% of the cameras logged on the DeFlock map nationwide. The majority of these cameras in California are concentrated in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and the Bay Area. San Francisco County ranks third nationally for camera density per road mile, with 1,196 cameras per 1,000 miles, surpassed only by New York and Kings counties in New York.
Orange County registered the highest camera density in Southern California, placing 33rd nationally with 184 cameras per 1,000 miles. Los Angeles County followed at No. 59, with 143 cameras per 1,000 miles.
These cameras, often mounted on streetlights, capture images of passing vehicles, recording license plates, make, model, color, and distinguishing features, along with location and time data. This information can be used to track vehicle movements.
Nationally, California leads in the number of Flock cameras, followed by Florida with 7,169, Georgia with 7,046, and Illinois with 5,822.
The DeFlock map's public-input nature means it is more comprehensive in populated areas where camera locations are more likely to be reported.
While law enforcement agencies state that these cameras aid in tracking criminals and locating stolen vehicles, privacy advocates have expressed concerns. Some residents in Los Angeles have voiced worries that the technology could be misused for immigration enforcement or by law enforcement for personal surveillance.
"What happens to Flock Safety being a road map for mass deportation?" Hamid Khan of the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition questioned, adding that the technology can be used by officers to stalk individuals.
Flock Safety leaders maintain that their tools are intended for public safety and are not designed for mass surveillance or immigration enforcement. Garrett Langley, CEO and co-founder of Flock Safety, stated, "We give cities tools to uphold public safety, while enabling accountability and transparency." He emphasized that "public safety does not need to come at the expense of community values."
Langley also clarified that the system does not capture interior vehicle details or personal information beyond license plates. He noted that California regulations prevent ALPR data from being moved out of state, with customers retaining control over data sharing.
The Los Angeles Police Department recently renegotiated its contract with Flock Safety due to privacy and data-sharing concerns. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell affirmed the department's commitment to strong privacy protections and responsible data stewardship when evaluating new technologies. As of last week, the LAPD was still in negotiations with Flock Safety, with Langley expressing optimism for a resolution.