Liberal San Francisco is keeping its Flock cameras

San Francisco, known for its progressive stance, has decided to retain its extensive network of Flock cameras despite concerns over privacy and accuracy. The city's adoption of these automated license plate readers (ALPRs) has faced opposition from conservative politicians and some states, including Virginia and Florida. However, San Francisco's police department continues to utilize the cameras, which dropped crime rates by nearly 60% between January and August of 2026 compared to the same period in 2022.

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins defended the cameras, stating they help police catch criminals involved in various crimes. The cameras have also garnered support from the public, with a recent poll showing 72% of San Franciscans either strongly or somewhat support their use in active investigations. While crime rates in San Francisco have significantly dropped, it's unclear if Flock cameras are directly responsible, as other factors like the AI boom, gentrification, and the nationwide post-COVID crime decline could also be contributing.

The city's tech-savvy nature and strong connection to Silicon Valley likely play a role in its continued use of Flock cameras.