Surveillance, privacy concerns raised in debate over Oakland’s Flock cameras

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — Flock safety cameras keep Oakland streets safe, says leaders of the Coalition for Community Engagement.

“In many cities, cameras and speed radars are helping police do their job. So why should Oakland be different?” says Francisco Acosta, an Oakland-based real estate agent. “Our safety depends on having those cameras. And having proper surveillance of our neighborhoods.”

Last year, Governor Gavin Newsom called for installing about 480 cameras. Almost 300 on Oakland surface streets. The remaining to be placed along highways in the East Bay.

The goal is to allow Oakland police, CHP and other law enforcement agencies to identify vehicles by more than just the license plate. And, to be able to search for vehicles linked to crimes in real time.

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“I do some work (in Oakland). And I also know that the crime that I have in Alamo is part of the problem that we have here,” says Joe Rubay, Vice Chair of the Alamo Police Advisory Committee.

The coalition is raising concerns that Oakland Privacy Commission may vote to recommend to end using Flock cameras over privacy concerns.

Those who oppose the cameras also allege that cameras are used by Customs and Board Patrol and ICE for deportations.

“And there is another major threat, which is that Berkeley, Oakland and other cities are already on a hit list of sanctuary cities by this administration. So really all they need to do is hand over subpoena and take us to court,” suggest Avi Simon, Berkeley resident. “And we are saying in this judicial environment, that is not a risk we can afford to take.”

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According to OPD data, flock cameras read 189 million license plates just from July to December of 2024.

Flock says the data is only stored for 30 days. Adding that in California, Senate Bill 34, prohibits sharing that data between local law enforcement and federal agencies, like ICE.

“So, OPD actually owns the footage. They control who they share it with. And in this case, OPD has had no collaboration with the CBP though the Flock system,” says Josh Thomas, Chief Communications Officer for Flock Safety.

Still, those opposed to Flock cameras, which also includes the ACLU, are concerned that as its massive network expands, how the data is used could change as well.

The vote by the Privacy Commission is expected at Thursday evening’s meeting.