NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A federal lawsuit has been filed on behalf of two area residents who are challenging the legality of using Flock cameras in the city of Norfolk.
The lawsuit was filed Monday by the Institute for Justice on behalf of Norfolk resident Lee Schmidt and Portsmouth resident Crystal Arrington.
2024.10.21-1-Complaint Download
“I don’t like the government following my every movement and treating me like a criminal suspect,” Schmidt said, “when they have no reason to believe I’ve done anything wrong.”
Arrington said her work requires her to drive around Norfolk often, “and it’s incredibly disturbing to know the city can track my every move during that time.”
In 2023, Norfolk Police installed 172 Flock cameras across the city — automatic license plate reading cameras. Police Chief Mark Talbot says their use has “substantially” lowered crime in the city.
“The technology is ultimately a tool we’re able to use to leverage good policing into good outcome,” Talbot said back in January. “The Flock system no doubt has gone a long way toward helping us reduce property crimes, in particular, stolen vehicles, I’m sure it’s helped us reduce other property crime, like theft from vehicles, and it’s helped us solve violent crimes.”