Alexandria police are to publish a map showing the locations of the city’s 61 Flock automated number plate recognition cameras by 1 October, following pressure from city councillors for greater transparency.
The Alexandria Police Department had previously opposed revealing the sites, citing operational and investigative concerns. Officials argued that publishing the locations could increase the risk of vandalism or help criminals avoid detection.
But members of Alexandria City Council said residents had a right to know where the surveillance equipment was being used and directed the department to release the information.
The cameras scan number plates and vehicle details before alerting officers when a vehicle matches records linked to matters including stolen cars, missing people, outstanding warrants or criminal investigations.
Alexandria, which covers fewer than 16 square miles, has faced growing scrutiny over its use of the technology. Councillors are also considering whether the cameras should be removed and have questioned the department’s decision to deploy them.
Police figures show that 266 arrests have been attributed to support from the automatic number plate recognition system. Councillors want the department to establish how many of those cases began with a direct camera alert.
The department says searches of the database are subject to strict rules and that access is restricted. It has stated that information is not shared with outside law enforcement agencies without a court order.
Police chief Tarrick McGuire is also examining alternative automatic number plate recognition providers whose data policies may better reflect the community’s expectations, as officials consider the future of the Flock system.
