Avula says this could be the end of ALPR technology in Richmond
The short version: Richmond's mayor admits ALPR surveillance may be on the chopping block, proof that public pressure can actually make a city reconsider Flock.
Our Take
Credit to WRIC 8News for getting Mayor Danny Avula on record saying Richmond could walk away from its Flock Safety contract entirely. That's a notable shift in tone from the usual "we're just reviewing policy" line cities give when ALPR backlash heats up. When a mayor says the city is "taking a step back to listen," it usually means the emails, public comment, and local reporting are working.
What's happening in Richmond is a template other cities should watch. Flock doesn't just sell cameras — it sells a data-sharing network that quietly links police departments across state lines, often with little public input before the contract is signed. Once a city is in that network, reversing course is rare, so Avula even floating a full reevaluation, including looking at other vendors, is meaningful. It suggests residents pushing back on scope creep, data retention, and who gets access to scan logs can actually move elected officials, not just advocacy groups.
Richmond isn't unique — these cameras are spreading fast, often with zero public hearing. Check our camera map to see what's already deployed near you, and if you want to push your own city council the way Richmond residents pushed Avula, our take-action page has the tools to start.
This is DeFlock The USA’s original commentary. The video above is the work of WRIC ABC 8News, published on YouTube — full credit to the creator.