San Diego Committee Votes to End Surveillance Camera Contract

The San Diego City Council's Budget and Government Efficiency Committee voted Wednesday to end the city's $2 million annual contract with Flock Safety for Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology. The decision follows a shift in support from Councilman Stephen Whitburn and Councilmember Kent Lee, who cited community concerns over mass surveillance and immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.

Mayor Todd Gloria and San Diego Police Department Chief Scott Wahl oppose the termination. They argue the network of 500 cameras is a critical public safety tool that has helped solve more than 900 cases, including kidnappings and murders. Because Mayor Gloria is expected to veto any final move to terminate the contract, the full City Council would require a 6-3 supermajority to override him.

The city is simultaneously facing lawsuits from the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans and the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of San Diego & Imperial Counties. These organizations allege that the ALPR system violates privacy rights protected by the California Constitution.