Privacy activists across Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley have helped push several communities to remove Flock license plate reader cameras.
Much of that momentum followed the release of public records indicating that, in several cases, police agencies — rather than elected councils — were the ones handling the agreements and rollout.
Here’s what to know
According to WMRA, freedom-of-information materials cited by the local activist group Deflock the Valley indicate that, in places including Elkton, Virginia, police coordinated directly with Flock on buying, placing, and installing the cameras, with little public discussion beforehand.
That disclosure has already led to policy reversals. WMRA reported that Harrisonburg and Elkton decided to end their Flock agreements after Charlottesville and Staunton had already done so in late 2025. Activists are now turning their attention to Bridgewater and Grottoes…