Redwood City will delay recommending whether to renew its contract for automated license plate reader technology until 2027, according to Patrick Heisinger, the city manager.
The announcement came Thursday during the city’s second community forum on ALPR this month, according to a city press release. City staff will continue evaluating ALPR options and hold another community meeting in early 2027 before recommending a path forward to the City Council.
“Taking additional time to listen and carefully evaluate our options will help us make a more informed recommendation that responds to what we’ve heard and serves our community well,” Heisinger said.
The city has provided conflicting dates for the expiration of its agreement with ALPR vendor Flock Safety. In his statement, Heisinger said the agreement expires Nov. 30. However, in a response letter to the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury’s report on Redwood City’s ALPR program, the city said the Flock contract would expire Oct. 31.
When the council initially approved ALPR technology at its Sept. 11, 2023 meeting, the staff report said the vendor contract would run until September 2026.
Over the past few months, community members have turned out in large numbers at public meetings to voice concerns about the city’s use of ALPR technology, particularly its implications for immigrant safety, privacy and civil liberties.
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