As Federal Surveillance Grows, Santa Cruz Axes Powerful License Plate Readers episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 16, 2026 · 18 MIN

As Federal Surveillance Grows, Santa Cruz Axes Powerful License Plate Readers

from The Bay · host KQED

Bay Area police departments say automated license plate readers contracted by an Atlanta-based company called Flock Safety have been a powerful tool for solving crime. But Bay Area residents and privacy advocates are increasingly concerned about the impacts on our privacy, as the Trump administration continues its federal immigration crackdown. In Santa Cruz, the city council voted 6-1 to end its contract with Flock, citing reports that the city’s data was accessed by out-of-state agencies.  Links: Santa Cruz the First in California to Terminate Its Contract With Flock Safety San Jose latest city to face questions whether federal authorities are accessing police license plate camera data Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bay Area police departments say automated license plate readers contracted by an Atlanta-based company called Flock Safety have been a powerful tool for solving crime. But Bay Area residents and privacy advocates are increasingly concerned about the impacts on our privacy, as the Trump administration continues its federal immigration crackdown. In Santa Cruz, the city council voted 6-1 to end its contract with Flock, citing reports that the city’s data was accessed by out-of-state agencies.  Links: Santa Cruz the First in California to Terminate Its Contract With Flock Safety San Jose latest city to face questions whether federal authorities are accessing police license plate camera data Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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As Federal Surveillance Grows, Santa Cruz Axes Powerful License Plate Readers

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Bay Area police departments say automated license plate readers contracted by an Atlanta-based company called Flock Safety have been a powerful tool for solving crime. But Bay Area residents and privacy advocates are increasingly concerned about the...

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