Public urges review of Flock ALPR use and data-retention practices

A member of the public urged the City Council to review recent reporting on license-plate-recognition (ALPR) systems — specifically Flock cameras — and raised concerns about data sharing and retention.

Anthony (Tony) Ralphs told council that recent front-page reporting by the San Diego Union-Tribune highlighted risks and legal challenges around Flock and similar systems; he said some neighboring jurisdictions retain ALPR data far longer than the standard 30 days and cited Coronado as retaining data for 365 days. “It highlights all of the dangers associated with Flock... Coronado is using this data for 365 days,” he said, urging the council to examine current policies and any data-sharing agreements.

The remarks were presented as public comment; the council did not take immediate policy action during the meeting but the comment flagged an issue for staff review if council directs follow-up or policy consideration.