Oakland City Council Votes 7–1 to Continue Contract with Flock, Backed by a Broad, Multi-Cultural Coalition

Oakland took a decisive step forward for public safety. In a 7–1 vote, City Council approved the continuation of Flock Safety technology, reinforcing a growing consensus across the city that evidence-based tools, paired with strong safeguards, are delivering real results.

That vote represents the culmination of sustained advocacy from a diverse, multi-ethnic coalition of community leaders, civil rights organizations, business groups, and victims’ advocates. From Chinatown business owners to the Oakland Branch of the NAACP, supporters united around a shared goal: protecting families, strengthening trust, and building a safer Oakland for everyone.

Crime Disparities That Demand Action

In Oakland, the impact of violent crime falls most heavily on Latino and Black communities.

According to data from Oakland Police Department, so far in 2025, Latino community members have been victims in 55% of all reported robberies citywide, making them the most impacted group. Black residents represent the second-most impacted group, accounting for 19% of total robberies.

The same pattern holds true for more serious violent crime. In 2025, Black residents represent the largest share of shooting-injury victims, followed by Hispanic residents.

Homicide data shows an even starker reality.

• In 2023, 93% of homicide victims in Oakland were people of color.
  
  
• In 2024, that number remained alarmingly high at 88%.
  
  
• Through September 2025, 96% of homicide victims have been people of color.

Those aren’t just statistics, they are real people who lost their lives, families devastated, and neighborhoods carrying the heaviest burden of violence.

A United Front: Community Leaders Rally for What’s Working

As Oakland works to restore confidence and improve safety citywide, leaders across the city have been clear that technology that helps solve crimes and protect lives should remain part of the city’s public safety strategy. Their message resonated with City Council: momentum matters, and progress should not be reversed.

Community Advocacy from the Oakland Public Safety Alliance

The Oakland Public Safety Alliance has elevated community voices by centering the lived experiences of families, neighbors, and small business owners most impacted by violent crime. The Alliance has also focused on grounding the public conversation in data, highlighting crime trends, victim demographics, and documented outcomes to ensure decisions were informed by facts, not fear or misinformation. By addressing common myths and providing clear, accessible information, the Alliance worked to ensure policymakers and residents alike had an accurate understanding of how public safety tools are used, how safeguards work, and where measurable progress has been made in Oakland’s neighborhoods.

NAACP Oakland Branch: “A practical, effective step toward reducing crime”

The Oakland Branch of the NAACP also called on city leaders to continue funding and fully activating the Flock Safety system already in place, stressing the importance of consistency and follow-through.

“The Oakland Branch of the NAACP strongly urges the city to take immediate action to continue to fund and activate the Flock Safety camera system already in place.”

Their message was clear: Oakland cannot afford to lose ground.

“Our community cannot afford to lose any momentum on public safety. Supporting and fully utilizing these tools is a practical, effective step toward reducing crime and safeguarding our families, local businesses, and public spaces.”

Read the full statement here.

Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce: Protecting Culture, Commerce, and Community

The Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce reaffirmed its support for OPD’s Camera Surveillance Use Policy, which establishes privacy protections, accountability measures, and transparency.

“Public safety remains the top concern for Chinatown’s small businesses, residents, and visitors,” wrote Chamber President Stephanie Tran. “These safeguards strike the right balance in protecting civil liberties while giving our city the tools it needs to improve safety and restore community confidence.”

Tran emphasized that trust and clarity are essential to long-term success:

“A clear, transparent framework will allow technology to serve its purpose: protecting lives, livelihoods, and the cultural heart of Oakland.”

Read the full letter here.

Bay Area Council: Safety as a Foundation for Economic Recovery

Representing more than 370 of the Bay Area’s largest employers, the Bay Area Council highlighted the economic stakes tied to public safety and strongly supported approval of Oakland’s Flock Safety contract.

“Approval of the Flock Safety contract is an essential step toward improving safety, restoring confidence, and rebuilding Oakland’s economy.”

Their letter cited data showing that public safety concerns directly affect local commerce, noting that 72% of Oakland residents who dine or shop less in the city point to safety as the reason.

“Flock Safety’s ALPR system is responsible for 10% of arrests and has contributed to an 11% increase in clearance rates for violent crimes. It is one of the most effective crime-fighting technologies that the Oakland Police Department has.”

The Council concluded with a call for equity across the region:

“Oakland deserves equal access to the same evidence-based tools that support effective policing.”

Read the full letter here.

A Shared Vision, Validated by a 7–1 Vote

The City Council’s 7–1 vote reflects what communities across Oakland have been saying for months: when technology delivers results, respects privacy, and is shaped through public input, it can play a meaningful role in keeping people safe.

Flock cameras are already helping solve crimes faster, supporting investigations, and restoring confidence across neighborhoods. Just as important, the broad, multi-cultural coalition behind this decision demonstrates what’s possible when communities come together around a shared vision.