Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago
How should we think about automated license plate readers, surveillance cameras, drones, and other public safety tools?
In this episode of the City Journal Podcast, Rafael Mangual sits down with Rahul Sidhu of Flock Safety to discuss the backlash against ALPR technology, the legal and privacy concerns surrounding surveillance, and the safeguards meant to prevent misuse. They also explore the real-world benefits of these tools in helping police solve crimes, recover stolen vehicles, and respond faster in emergencies.
Get the best of City Journal, delivered weekly: city-journal.org/email-alerts
Follow City Journal on X: https://x.com/CityJournal
Rafael Mangual: https://x.com/Rafa_Mangual
00:00 — Intro
01:07 — What is ALPR technology and how does Flock Safety work?
04:04 — How Flock cameras, drones, and gunshot detection help police
06:44 — How surveillance cameras can help solve and prevent crimes
11:05 — Vehicle “fingerprinting” and how ALPRs help identify suspects
14:08 — Privacy concerns and the Fourth Amendment
15:53 — Do Flock cameras actually track your every move?
18:30 — ALPRs and the courts: Are they constitutional?
22:06 — The need for guardrails around ALPR technology
22:40 — Concerns about government abuse and police surveillance
24:15 — Why Rahul Sidhu understands distrust of law enforcement
27:48 — Could ALPRs be used for government overreach?
29:24 — ALPR technology during COVID-19
31:02 — Police misuse of ALPR systems and accountability
33:07 — How Flock detects and prevents misuse
35:52 — Auditing police searches and increasing transparency
38:57 — Why police accountability matters
40:03 — The challenges facing police officers
41:17 — The benefits of ALPR technology
43:08 — How ALPRs helped rescue a kidnapped child
45:19 — Using ALPRs to find missing and abducted children
46:35 — How ALPRs can deter crime
48:09 — Catching criminals vs. holding them accountable
48:41 — Rahul’s “jeans guy” story and repeat shoplifting
51:03 — Do the benefits of ALPR technology outweigh the risks?
52:19 — Closing thoughts
How should we think about automated license plate readers, surveillance cameras, drones, and other public safety tools?
In this episode of the City Journal Podcast, Rafael Mangual sits down with Rahul Sidhu of Flock Safety to discuss the backlash against ALPR technology, the legal and privacy concerns surrounding surveillance, and the safeguards meant to prevent misuse. They also explore the real-world benefits of these tools in helping police solve crimes, recover stolen vehicles, and respond faster in emergencies.
Get the best of City Journal, delivered weekly: city-journal.org/email-alerts
Follow City Journal on X: https://x.com/CityJournal
Rafael Mangual: https://x.com/Rafa_Mangual
00:00 — Intro
01:07 — What is ALPR technology and how does Flock Safety work?
04:04 — How Flock cameras, drones, and gunshot detection help police
06:44 — How surveillance cameras can help solve and prevent crimes
11:05 — Vehicle “fingerprinting” and how ALPRs help identify suspects
14:08 — Privacy concerns and the Fourth Amendment
15:53 — Do Flock cameras actually track your every move?
18:30 — ALPRs and the courts: Are they constitutional?
22:06 — The need for guardrails around ALPR technology
22:40 — Concerns about government abuse and police surveillance
24:15 — Why Rahul Sidhu understands distrust of law enforcement
27:48 — Could ALPRs be used for government overreach?
29:24 — ALPR technology during COVID-19
31:02 — Police misuse of ALPR systems and accountability
33:07 — How Flock detects and prevents misuse
35:52 — Auditing police searches and increasing transparency
38:57 — Why police accountability matters
40:03 — The challenges facing police officers
41:17 — The benefits of ALPR technology
43:08 — How ALPRs helped rescue a kidnapped child
45:19 — Using ALPRs to find missing and abducted children
46:35 — How ALPRs can deter crime
48:09 — Catching criminals vs. holding them accountable
48:41 — Rahul’s “jeans guy” story and repeat shoplifting
51:03 — Do the benefits of ALPR technology outweigh the risks?
52:19 — Closing thoughts
