Residents cite reporting on 'Flock' ALPR cameras and call for scrutiny of data-retention practices

Public commenters raised privacy concerns about automated license-plate reader (ALPR) systems—referred to in testimony as Flock—and urged council review of data-sharing and retention practices following local reporting. Tony (Anthony Ralphs) referenced front-page reporting by the San Diego Union-Tribune and warned the council of privacy risks and extended retention policies in the region.

“I wanted to put a spotlight on the fantastic reporting ... It highlights all of the dangers associated with flock,” he said, noting that some jurisdictions retain ALPR data longer than the 30-day norm and that Coronado reportedly keeps it for 365 days. Commenters asked council to consider the article's findings and potential policy responses to data retention and sharing practices.

City staff did not announce a policy change during the meeting; council members and staff listened to the concerns during the public-comment period and no action was taken on the matter at the session.