Moving Forward, Not Backward: The Flock Camera Debate
What Happened
On March 3, 2025, Richmond City Council debated renewing our contract for Flock safety cameras—technology that helps solve crimes and keep neighborhoods safe.
Unfortunately, some opponents were unwilling to hear Chief Simmons explain how the Richmond Police Department has proactively moved to protect our personal data and preserve accountability.
Richmond’s progress on public safety is real, and we can’t afford to go backward.
Richmond’s Progress Is Not Accidental
Our low homicide rates didn’t happen by chance. They’re the result of progressive law enforcement that combines:
- Community input and engagement
- Proven, evidence-based strategies
- Accountability and transparency
- Modern technology used responsibly
Richmond was once known as one of the most dangerous cities in the country. We’ve worked too hard to turn that around.
Chief Simmons’ Approach: Safety + Accountability
What’s At Stake
Moving forward means:
- Trusting our public safety professionals to do their jobs
- Maintaining strong accountability and community oversight
- Supporting proven strategies that work
- Balancing safety with privacy protection
Going backward means:
- Ignoring expert guidance from our police chief
- Removing tools that help solve crimes
- Risking the progress we’ve made
District 4 Deserves Balanced Leadership
Public safety requires thoughtful, balanced leadership.
We can protect both privacy and public safety. We can hold our police department accountable while also trusting Chief Simmons when he explains the safeguards in place.
That’s the leadership I’m committed to bringing to District 4.
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