On Thursday, September 24, 2026, Philadelphia City Council convened at City Hall to consider a proposed ordinance that would restrict the use of automatic license‑plate reader (ALPR) cameras produced by Flock Safety.
The bill, introduced by at‑large Councilmember Rue Landau, asks state officials to issue a prohibition that would prevent Philadelphia police and other city agencies from deploying Flock’s ALPR technology within the city’s boundaries.
Council members reviewed the language of the measure, which seeks to shift authority over the cameras to the state rather than leaving regulation to local officials. Supporters contend that a statewide ban would create consistent standards across municipalities, while opponents note that the technology is credited with assisting law‑enforcement investigations.
Councilmember Landau explained the purpose of the legislation, stressing the desire for state oversight of the surveillance tools. No representatives from Flock Safety were present to offer comment, and the official record did not note additional testimony.
The session ended without a final vote, leaving the proposal pending further deliberation. City officials indicated that any ultimate decision would require coordination with Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development, the agency that governs the use of surveillance equipment in public spaces.
The discussion may shape how law‑enforcement agencies throughout the region employ ALPR technology, as comparable proposals have been introduced in other large cities. Stakeholders are expected to watch the bill’s progress as it moves through council committees and toward potential state action.