Grass Valley Police Department Ends Contract with Flock Safety Over Data Privacy Concerns
The Grass Valley Police Department is ending its nearly five-year contract with Flock Safety and suspending the use of its cameras due to data privacy concerns, as announced by Police Chief Alexander K. Gammelgard.
Sacramento Stockton Modesto, CA, August 12, 2026 —
GRASS VALLEY, CA – The Grass Valley Police Department has announced the termination of its nearly five-year contract with Flock Safety, a company that provides automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. The decision to suspend the use of these cameras stems from growing concerns regarding data privacy, according to Police Chief Alexander K. Gammelgard.
The contract, which was nearing its five-year term, allowed the department to utilize Flock Safety’s camera technology. However, the specific details surrounding the data privacy concerns have not been fully disclosed. Chief Gammelgard’s announcement indicates a shift in the department’s approach to surveillance technology, prioritizing privacy considerations.
Flock Safety cameras are known for their ability to capture license plates of vehicles passing by, which can then be used to assist in investigations, including locating stolen vehicles and identifying suspects in criminal activities. The suspension of their use by the Grass Valley Police Department means these capabilities will no longer be available to the department.
The duration of the contract and the specific nature of the data privacy issues that led to its termination were not detailed in the announcement. It was stated that the department is suspending the use of the cameras, implying a definitive end to their deployment in Grass Valley.
As of the announcement, the exact date the contract officially ends or when the cameras were last in operation was not provided. The police department’s decision reflects a broader trend of scrutiny and public discussion surrounding the use of surveillance technologies and the privacy implications associated with the collection and storage of data.
Story summarized from the original created by Katie Chavez on fox40.com, see more information here.
