The conversation centered on about 130 automated license plate reader cameras located around Santa Rosa. The cameras photograph passing vehicles and record information including license plates, times and locations. photo credit: Shandra Back/KRCB NewsA community member holds a sign opposing Flock license plate reader cameras during a Santa Rosa Police Department community meeting on September 17, 2026.
The Santa Rosa Police Department hosted a community meeting on September 17 about its use of Flock automated license plate readers as concerns grow nationally over privacy, data sharing and limits on law enforcement surveillance.
Two minutes before the meeting was scheduled to begin, Santa Rosa police were already telling people in a growing line that the room was at capacity.
The crowd included people of all ages, from families and older residents to people in their 20s. Some held signs and wore shirts that read “no mass surveillance.” A speaker blasts the beginning of the presentation as outside community members accept that it was standing room only…