This week from Aug. 16-22, you can join DeFlock for their National Week of Action against automated license plate readers (ALPRs).
Widespread outrage has traveled across the country in response to new Flock cameras’ increased presence. In Virginia, there are already about 2,000 Flock cameras throughout the commonwealth.
Automated license plate readers—often called Flock cameras because many of them are made by the company Flock Safety— are solar-powered surveillance devices that are installed by busy roadways.
These cameras are privately owned and used by local law enforcement to watch, track, and catalog millions of citizens every day. Many citizens see this surveillance as a direct threat to the Fourth Amendment’s protection from unreasonable searches and seizures as well as general threats to civil liberties.
During this week of action, there will be a variety of events to participate in. From town halls to scavenger hunts, there are plenty of events to choose from.
Want more ways to support the cause? We have plenty of options to help you make your voice heard.
Here are some ways you can take part:
National Week of Action Against ALPRs/Flock Cameras, Aug. 16-22
Actions
Attend an event
DeFlock will host a variety of events during its week of action; the mission is not to have just one large event to gain visibility, but to host hundreds of town halls, educational events, or even just casual get-togethers.
For more information on events near you, or how you can host your own event in the future, visit DeFlock’s week of action homepage.
To keep up with local DeFlock actions, visit DeFlock’s local chapter list.
Call your lawmakers
No matter how many Flock cameras you have in your community, contracts can always be deactivated or canceled. Your lawmakers are here to listen to your concerns and take them into account. If you are worried about Flock in your community, visit the General Assembly’s website to find your local representatives.
Don’t forget, midterm elections are in November, and your vote can help decide who manages these Flock camera contracts.
For more information on upcoming elections, visit our voter registration guide.
Sign a petition
Sometimes, you can’t always make a town hall meeting or a rally, but there are ways to activate your opinion directly from your phone. There are dozens of petitions popping up in response to Flock cameras; here are some Virginia ones.
End mass surveillance in Chesterfield County!
Tell Harrisonburg City Council: take down Flock cameras
Additional resources
The fight against Flock cameras doesn’t end after the national initiative; it stretches far beyond. If you want to record a new Flock camera in your area or track ones that are already erected, FlockHopper has an extensive map of just about every Flock camera in the United States.
If you want to see what local governments are discussing surrounding Flock cameras, alpr.watch tracks every mention of surveillance technology in local town halls and meetings.
Have an event to add? Email State Organizing Coordinator Ava Edwards at ava@couriernewsroom.com. Please send details at least one week before the event.
Need more information before casting your next ballot?
Use Dogwood’s voter registration tool below to check your registration status, find your polling place, and stay updated for future elections, so you and your family never miss the chance to vote.
