Ongoing story · Updated October 27, 2026
Flock cameras and police surveillance
As of October 23, Fairfax County's Board of Supervisors had suspended Flock license plate reader camera installations, and supervisors were raising concerns even as Police Chief Kevin Davis described the system as highly effective in solving crimes. In Loudoun County, School Board members and the current superintendent said they had been unaware that the Sheriff's Office had access to live surveillance video of all public schools for seven years. In Prince William County, Occoquan Supervisor Kenny Boddye scheduled an Oct. 21 town hall on surveillance technology in public safety.
Key points
On or around Sept. 16, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors suspended Flock camera installations. County leaders said they wanted a closer look at the county's partnership with Flock Safety amid a growing national backlash to automated license plate readers.
Occoquan Supervisor Kenny Boddye in Prince William County invited residents to a community town hall on Oct. 21 about the use of surveillance technology in public safety.
Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis told the Board of Supervisors that the county's Flock automated license plate reader system has been highly effective in solving crimes. Supervisors raised concerns about the cameras, and FCPD says it has guardrails in place.
The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office has had access to live surveillance video of all Loudoun County Public Schools for seven years. School Board members and the current superintendent say they were unaware of the practice.
Questions
Has Fairfax County stopped installing Flock cameras?
Yes. In mid-September the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors suspended Flock camera installations so county leaders could take a closer look at the partnership with Flock Safety.
What do Fairfax County police say about Flock license plate readers?
Police Chief Kevin Davis told supervisors the Flock automated license plate reader system has been highly effective in solving crimes. FCPD says it has guardrails in place, though supervisors raised concerns.
Does the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office have access to school security cameras?
Yes. The Sheriff's Office has had access to live surveillance video of all Loudoun County Public Schools for seven years. School Board members and the current superintendent said they were unaware of it.
Is there a public meeting on surveillance technology in Prince William County?
Occoquan Supervisor Kenny Boddye invited residents to a community town hall on Oct. 21 on the use of surveillance technology in public safety.
Summarized from the headlines and excerpts of the 4 stories below and updated as new coverage arrives. The linked stories are the record.