Santa Barbara City Councilwoman Kristen Sneddon says Tuesday that it’s a “different world” now than when the council adopted the automated license plate reader policy.
Santa Barbara City Councilwoman Kristen Sneddon says Tuesday that it’s a “different world” now than when the council adopted the automated license plate reader policy. Credit: Rebecca Caraway / Noozhawk photo

The Santa Barbara City Council will not renew its contract with Flock Safety or enter into a contract with another license plate reader platform for now.

Council members plan to revisit the issue after reviewing the city’s automated license plate reader policy.

Santa Barbara Police Chief Kelly Gordon said the lack of the technology would hinder investigations and recommended that the city switch to Verkada’s license plate reader platform. While Flock allows data to be shared across multiple agencies, Verkada is a cloud-managed platform where footage stays within the control of a single organization, she said.

During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, community members were grateful to see the non-renewal of the Flock contract, but many still had surveillance concerns and didn’t want any license plate reader system to take its place.

Flock Safety has earned widespread criticism this year for sharing data with immigration officials and for officers misusing the system to stalk individuals, including former romantic partners, according to national news reports.

Gordon said the Santa Barbara Police Department never shared Flock data with outside agencies and that no officers have misused the platform.

The department has used 12 Flock automated license plate recognition cameras, known as ALPRs, since late 2023 to locate stolen cars, identify suspect vehicles and enhance public safety, she said.

Specifically, the technology was used to identify suspects in a serial jewelry store robbery in 2025, a stabbing and attempted homicide in 2025, and an assault in 2025, Gordon said.

The Santa Barbara Police Department recommended that the city switch to a new license plate reader provider. Chief Kelly Gordon, seen here at a 2025 event, said Tuesday that not having the technology would hamper some investigations.
The Santa Barbara Police Department recommended that the city switch to a new license plate reader provider. Chief Kelly Gordon, seen here at a 2025 event, said Tuesday that not having the technology would hamper some investigations. Credit: Daniel Green / Noozhawk file photo

Additionally, since implementing the technology, there has been an 11% increase in solved violent crime cases and a 9% increase in solved hit-and-run cases, Gordon said during Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

Gordon also emphasized that the technology can be used only for license plate recognition, not facial recognition. She even admitted that one of the city’s Flock cameras was recently stolen and that the department can’t identify the suspect because the camera doesn’t capture faces.

During public comment, several residents spoke to oppose the city using automated license plate readers.

Ian Paige with Indivisible Santa Barbara says he supports the city's Police Department using necessary resources, but not at the expense of privacy.
Ian Paige with Indivisible Santa Barbara says he supports the city’s Police Department using necessary resources, but not at the expense of privacy. Credit: Rebecca Caraway / Noozhawk photo

Ian Paige with Indivisible Santa Barbara said he supports the police using necessary resources, but not at the expense of privacy.

“The police chief looks at this technology as a tool, and she’s right. However, using any tool comes with a cost. The cost here is the violation of all of our rights,” Paige said.

Teresa Cardenas, whose family moved from Mexico to the United States more than 40 years ago, said she’s been “persecuted” for her race during both of President Donald Trump’s administrations.

Teresa Cardenas, whose family moved from Mexico to the United States more than 40 years ago, says she’s been “persecuted” for her race during both Trump terms. She now fears for the surveillance of everyone.
Teresa Cardenas, whose family moved from Mexico to the United States more than 40 years ago, says she’s been “persecuted” for her race during both Trump terms. She now fears for the surveillance of everyone. Credit: Rebecca Caraway / Noozhawk photo

“Now I feel that this administration wants to spy on all of us, not just us,” Cardenas said. “I’m against these cameras because we shouldn’t be under surveillance. That is not security. I want to be able to drive around freely, as before, in my beloved country.”

In order to not have any automated license plate reader technology, the city would have to repeal its policy that allows the use of the technology, according to staff. That would be a big change for the city as the technology is also used in its downtown and waterfront parking lots.

Councilwoman Kristen Sneddon said it’s a “different world” now then when the council adopted the automated license plate reader policy.

“This is not about our local police,” Sneddon said. “This is about the ability of data to be breached, the ability for data to be used in very targeted nefarious ways. It’s about federal overreach, it’s about regional overreach. And it’s about no matter how much we think we have control of that data, I just don’t think we do.”

Gary Hunt holds a sign protesting Flock and Verkada outside Santa Barbara City Hall before Tuesday's council meeting.
Gary Hunt holds a sign protesting Flock and Verkada outside Santa Barbara City Hall before Tuesday’s council meeting. Credit: Rebecca Caraway / Noozhawk photo

Gordon said not having automated license plate readers would “hamper” the Police Department’s ability to effectively investigate human trafficking or child exploitation crimes.

“This is an investigative tool that is very effective in providing investigative leads in these types of cases, where in which we would not have the same ability to prevent and make arrests when it comes to human trafficking,” Gordon said. “That is the reality.”

She added that Santa Barbara has a very restrictive license plate reader policy when compared to other agencies.

“I understand the privacy concerns,” Gordon said, “but I also have a duty as a chief of police sitting before you. My duty is to our community’s public safety.” 

Councilman Mike Jordan said his own family has benefited from the use of the technology and said others might change their stance if it was used to aid their family members.

“If somebody’s kid or grandkid was picked up and an ALPR remedied that crime with the safe return of the kid, I think if I was against ALPR, I would come to Jesus pretty quick, right then and there,” Jordan said.

He did say there should be strict oversight of the technology with consequences for misuse.

The council did not take a vote Tuesday but gave direction. When the issue returns, the council is expected to direct City Administrator Kelly McAdoo to not enter into a contract with Verkada, and to evaluate the city’s automated license plate reader policy. 

The policy will likely be reviewed in early 2027, after the November election, when voters will elect a new mayor and three council members.

— Noozhawk staff writer Rebecca Caraway can be reached at rcaraway@noozhawk.com.