Critics of automatic license plate technology have described the cameras as a dangerous tool of mass surveillance that drops a dragnet over entire communities. On the other hand, advocates — including Richmond’s top officials — have said the devices are an indispensable tool in identifying and locating alleged criminals. But in response to a Freedom of Information Act request for copies of the Richmond Police Department’s Flock queries — which show what police are searching for and when — city officials said they would not disclose that information. Officials also declined to release copies of internal audits, which they claim prove that police are generally using Flock in compliance with state law and department policies. Asked whether officials felt there was something to hide, a city spokesperson said, “RPD remains committed to transparency regarding ALPR use and oversight.” Police have also refused to disclose the location of Richmond’s 99 Flock devices — though crowdsourced maps can give residents a pretty good idea of where they are. … Officials declined both requests, citing a provision in state law that shields “(ALPR) system data and audit trail data” from mandatory disclosure under FOIA.

The town of Warrenton has been picking up commercial trash in violation of the town’s own rules for over 40 years – and nobody knows how or why the practice began. As outlined in Warrenton’s town code, trash pickup is largely reserved for homes. The only businesses that should receive the service are those that reside within the historic district. … At-Large Town Councilmember David McGuire, who recently filed to run for mayor, became aware of trash pickup being conducted for businesses outside that definition earlier this year. He decided to ask for a list of commercial establishments receiving trash pickup, eventually making the request public at the Warrenton Town Council’s May 12 meeting. McGuire eventually got the list he asked for, though he took issue with how long it took to produce an inventory of the businesses. “It took the staff almost 10 days to give me a list,” McGuire said in a May 28 phone call with FauquierNow. “All I wanted was a list of who’s not complying with this ordinance in the sense that they’re getting their trash picked up for free.” He added, “It should have been, just in terms of transparency, a simple answer. I had to remind the staff, even in public, to do this.”