The Alexandria Police Department (APD) currently operates 61 Flock Safety cameras, which capture license plate information and vehicle characteristics. These cameras are not speed cameras and do not use facial recognition, according to Flock Safety. The presence of these cameras has led to renewed discussion about privacy and public oversight in Alexandria, as The Zebra reported on September 7, 2026.
During an initial six-month pilot program, the technology reportedly helped APD with 14 case closures, 33 arrests or warrants, and the recovery of over $250,000 in stolen property. One reported instance in December 2025 involved an alert from a license plate reader (LPR) that helped officers locate a wanted felon within hours.
What do these cameras mean for drivers in Alexandria?
If you drive in Alexandria, your vehicle's license plate and characteristics may be recorded by one of the 61 cameras. This data includes the time and location your vehicle was observed. While Flock Safety states the cameras identify vehicles, not people, the network creates a record of vehicle movements. You can learn more about how ALPRs work by visiting our /learn section.
Virginia law includes specific restrictions on the use of this data:
- Data must generally be deleted after 21 days.
- Sharing is limited to defined law enforcement purposes, such as criminal investigations, missing-person cases, warrants, and stolen vehicles.
- Willful misuse of the system is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
- A camera alert alone is not sufficient justification for a traffic stop; officers must independently confirm the match or establish reasonable suspicion.
These cameras are distinct from speed cameras. Their primary function is to provide information that can help police track vehicles associated with crimes or missing persons.
What questions are residents asking about camera use?
Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins has expressed a desire for a public conversation regarding the use of Flock cameras and other surveillance technology. This discussion would cover:
- Budgets for the technology.
- Civil rights considerations.
- Decisions regarding camera placement.
- Disclosure of camera locations and policies.
Privacy advocates have raised concerns that extensive LPR networks could lead to mass surveillance, especially if data is widely shared or retained for extended periods. Some other Virginia localities have either limited or ended their Flock programs due to similar community concerns. Understanding where these cameras are located can help you make informed decisions about your routes; check our /map for available data.
This public conversation is intended to ensure that the usefulness of these cameras is balanced with appropriate safeguards, transparency, and community input. The outcome of these discussions will determine future policies and potential changes to how these cameras are used in Alexandria.