Lawsuit Alleges Out-of-State Agencies Accessed SFPD’s Flock Cameras 1.6 Million Times

A recent lawsuit has brought to light concerning allegations about Flock Safety’s license plate readers and their sharing of data with out-of-state agencies. The allegations, as reported by KTVU, claim that more than 1.6 million instances of sharing data with out-of-state agencies occurred over a seven-month period. Similarly, readers in Los Altos reportedly shared information more than a million times with out-of-state agencies. While details about the lawsuit remain limited, it is suggested that this sharing of Californian drivers’ information with out-of-state law enforcement and the federal government is in violation of California law, according to David Berger, a partner with the law firm Gibbs Mura.

In response to these allegations, Flock released a statement emphasizing the company’s commitment to privacy, legal compliance, and data security, asserting that they will vigorously defend themselves against the claims made. Meanwhile, NBC Bay Area reported on an audit conducted by the El Cerrito Police Department, revealing that federal agencies accessed the police department’s data without its knowledge. Among the agencies given access were the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the GSA Office of the Inspector General. These agencies accessed the data in question during the initial installation of the cameras in June 2023 up until the police department took control of the system two months later.

Following the installation, further unauthorized access occurred on two separate occasions. The United States Postal Inspection service searched the database between September and November 2023, and later, in May 2025, the Loma Linda Healthcare System Veterans Affairs Police conducted a search. Flock responded to these incidents promptly by addressing flaws in the department’s system that allowed access by federal agencies. Furthermore, Chief Paul Keith of the El Cerrito Police Department expressed surprise at the additional instances of federal sharing that were identified.

In response to these findings, the San Jose Police Department implemented safeguards such as stricter documentation requirements for external agencies, limiting camera locations, and reducing data retention from a year to 30 days, as reported by NBC Bay Area. Additionally, Mountain View City Council voted to terminate its contract with Flock, and Richmond has also faced mounting pressure to cease cooperation. Federal agencies accessed Richmond Police Department’s Flock cameras until they were eventually blocked off.

These reports highlight the significant implications of unauthorized data sharing by Flock Safety’s license plate readers and raise concerns about privacy, legal compliance, and data security. As investigations continue and more details emerge, it remains crucial to heed the importance of protecting sensitive information and upholding legal standards in data sharing practices.