The video states that Flock Safety lost its contract with Staunton, Virginia, primarily because of an unsolicited, aggressive email from its CEO, Garrett Langley, to the Staunton Police Chief Jim Williams.
According to the video:
- On December 8, 2025, Garrett Langley emailed the Staunton PD team, claiming that "Flock and the law enforcement agencies we partner with are under coordinated attack" from "activist groups that want to defund the police, weaken public safety, and normalize lawlessness".
- Chief Williams responded on December 12, stating that he did not believe they were "under attack" but rather that "local citizens who are raising concerns" were exercising their rights to receive answers about potential surveillance of private citizens and misuse of data, calling it "democracy in action".
- An article in the Augusta Free Press, referenced in the video, confirmed that Langley's email "appears to have been the final straw" in the city's decision, as Staunton "didn't like the picture Langley painted of those who oppose the technology" . The Police Chief stated his decision was based on "issues with the ideology of Flock CEO".
Flock Safety's Surveillance Empire Crumbles: Cities Are Fighting Back Against Privacy Invasion in 2026
Hey everyone, Buddy Huggins here. As we kick off 2026, one of the biggest stories in tech and privacy is blowing up: Flock Safety, the company behind those automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras tracking vehicles across America, is losing contracts left and right. What started as a "crime-fighting tool" is now facing massive backlash over privacy concerns, data security flaws, and even the CEO's aggressive tactics. I've been digging into this for months, and the facts are clear—communities are waking up and saying no to mass surveillance.
These are just examples of what Flock's cameras look like—quietly mounted on poles, scanning every plate that passes by.The latest drama? In December 2025, Staunton, Virginia, outright canceled their contract after an unsolicited email from Flock CEO Garrett Langley backfired big time. Langley accused critics of being part of "coordinated attacks" tied to "defund the police" activists and misleading YouTube videos. Staunton's Police Chief and city officials responded by saying the CEO's narrative "does not reflect the city’s values." Despite admitting the tech helped solve some crimes, they pulled the plug and are removing the cameras.
That's Garrett Langley, Flock's CEO—valuing at billions, backed by investors like Peter Thiel, but now under fire for demonizing anyone who questions their system.This isn't isolated. Throughout late 2025, cities like Eugene and Springfield (Oregon), Flagstaff (Arizona), Cambridge (Massachusetts), Evanston (Illinois), and others terminated or paused Flock contracts. Reasons? Warrantless mass tracking (echoing Supreme Court concerns from Carpenter v. United States), data shared nationally (sometimes with federal agencies like ICE), security glitches (cameras staying active after shutdown orders), and fears of abuse against immigrants, protesters, or anyone seeking private healthcare.Tools like DeFlock.me are mapping over 70,000+ Flock cameras nationwide, raising awareness and helping people push back.
Look at these maps—blue dots everywhere. It's a massive network, and critics call it a step toward a surveillance state.To be fair, Flock claims their tech solves crimes (like recovering stolen vehicles) and data is deleted after 30 days. Some police departments praise it. But the cancellations speak volumes: When trust breaks—over unauthorized installs, data leaks, or combative leadership—cities choose privacy and community values.As we enter 2026, this momentum is growing. More cities are reviewing contracts, lawsuits are piling up, and activists are organizing. This is democracy in action: People speaking out, officials listening.What can you do? Check DeFlock.me for cameras in your area. Contact your local council or police chief. Share this post and demand transparency. We deserve safety without sacrificing freedom.Stay aware, stay free. Thanks for reading—drop your thoughts below. Have Flock cameras hit your town yet?
Peace and blessings,
Buddy Huggins
Peace and blessings,
Buddy Huggins
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