Remove Flock cameras from our communities- Leander, Tx

1,412

The Issue

**We will be speaking at the Leander city council meeting on September 3rd, 2026 at 7pm.

We need as many people as possible to show up at this meeting to tell the city council that their constituents are demanding that Flock cameras and all ALPR's be removed permanently from our communities. We know that we are the majority and now we need to show up to make our voices heard.

We will be meeting at the Leander Beer Market (across the street from the Municipal Hall) at 5:30pm before the city council meeting to rally, have a beer, and help anyone wanting assistance with what to say or how to say it. You don't need to have talking points, just a voice. If you are able to come, please sign up on https://www.mobilize.us/noalprs/event/1014913/

It's preferred for community members to speak in person. But if you can't, please leave a statement on Leandertx.gov under "Public Comment Request" (linked below). I will post the agenda item/case number when the official agenda for this date is released* https://www.leandertx.gov/FormCenter/City-Secretary-6/Public-Comments-Request-92 **

I am writing this petition with a pressing concern that directly impacts the privacy and freedom of my community. The presence of Flock cameras throughout our neighborhoods is a constant, unwarranted gaze, infringing on our right to live without unwarranted surveillance. Our community deserves to be free from this pervasive oversight, and it is crucial that we take action now. Our tax dollars need to be spent in ways that benefit our community, not lining the pockets of corporations that seek to exploit us.

Flock cameras, which are "automated license plate reading devices", have been contracted in many cities under the guise of enhancing security and deterring crime. However, studies and reports have shown that their efficacy in crime reduction is questionable at best. According to analysis by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, these cameras have limited impact on crime rates, are misused by law enforcement, and lead to unwarranted national sharing of data to track our movements across state lines without judicial oversight. Flock vendors market this technology for serious crime mitigation and we can see it is not being used for that purpose. All of this calls into question the true purpose of their presence in our communities.

Furthermore, the deployment of Flock cameras raises significant privacy concerns. The American Civil Liberties Union has repeatedly pointed out that these technologies often lead to the collection and retention of massive amounts of personal data, frequently without any oversight or adequate protections. It only takes a quick google search to prove that data from flock cameras. has already been misused in a multitude of documented instances by police across the country. Why would we believe the data from our neighborhoods will not also be misused?

Real-life cases have revealed troubling instances of mistaken identity and misidentification, which compromise innocent individuals. For example, in San Francisco, inaccurate license plate readings led to wrongful investigations and unneeded stress for law-abiding citizens. There are many other examples of officers using cameras and their data to stalk ex's or watch children on playgrounds and in public areas. These cameras erode trust between the community and law enforcement, perpetuating a culture of suspicion and mistrust rather than safety.

By cancelling the Flock camera contracts and removing these devices permanently, we can eliminate an unwanted presence in our communities. We can utilize those resources spent on this privatized surveillance and put them toward community-centered approaches to safety, fostering programs that address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and mental health issues.

I urge our city's leaders to listen to the concerns of their constituents, to prioritize the privacy rights of citizens over technology that has limited proven benefits. Let us restore our community's trust and mutual respect by ending this artificial surveillance.

Please join me in signing this petition. We need our community leaders to hear our voices and stop this partnership with Flock before we lose more than we already have. 

The Decision Makers

Annette Sponseller
Annette Sponseller
Leander City Council-Place 4
Responded
I am aware of the concerns being raised by residents regarding Flock cameras, and I am currently engaging with constituents to better understand their concerns. I am also planning to bring the issue forward for discussion with the City Council.
Leander City Council
7 Members
Michael Herrera
Leander City Council - Place 2
Becki Ross
Leander City Council - Place 6
Andrew Naudin
Leander City Council - Place 5

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates