Santa Cruz City Council votes to end Flock Safety contract

On January 13, 2026, the Santa Cruz City Council voted 6–1 to terminate the city’s contract with Flock Safety, ending use of the company’s automated license plate readers. The termination takes effect after a 30-day notice, possibly as early as February 12. Councilmember Sonja Brunner voted against. The motion followed data breaches, community pushback, and a recommendation from three councilmembers. It also directed staff to explore future installation of similar technology with stronger privacy safeguards.