San Diego, December 14, 2025
Former San Diego Police Department captain Jeffrey Jordon has taken a position with Flock Safety, the company involved in a multimillion-dollar contract for installing automated license plate reader cameras in the city. This has raised ethical concerns regarding conflicts of interest, particularly given Jordon’s prior influence in the contract’s selection process. The City Council is now urging a review of alternative vendors for public safety technology amid growing scrutiny.
San Diego Police Captain’s Transition to Flock Safety Raises Ethical Questions
San Diego, CA – A former San Diego Police Department (SDPD) captain, Jeffrey Jordon, has joined Flock Safety, the company that secured a multimillion-dollar contract to install automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras in the city. This development has prompted concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of the procurement process.
Key Details
- Contract Approval: In November 2023, the San Diego City Council approved a five-year agreement with Ubicquia Inc. for 500 Smart Streetlight cameras, integrated with Flock Safety’s ALPR technology. This system aims to enhance public safety by assisting in crime investigations.
- Captain Jordon’s Role: As an SDPD captain, Jordon played a significant role in the selection and negotiation of the Flock Safety contract. Approximately three months after retiring from the department in April 2025, he began working for Flock Safety.
- Ethical Concerns: The timing of Jordon’s employment with Flock Safety has raised questions among city council members and the public about potential conflicts of interest and the transparency of the contract award process.
City Council’s Response
In response to these concerns, several San Diego City Council members have urged the police department to explore alternatives to Flock Safety for the city’s surveillance system. Councilmembers Joe LaCava and Kent Lee have formally requested that Mayor Todd Gloria and Police Chief Scott Wahl issue a new request for information to evaluate other vendors for ALPR services.
Background on Flock Safety’s Operations
Flock Safety, founded in 2017, provides automated license plate recognition and surveillance technologies to law enforcement agencies and private entities across the United States. The company has faced scrutiny in various jurisdictions for its data-sharing practices and the potential for surveillance overreach.
Next Steps
The San Diego City Council is scheduled to review the annual report for SDPD’s surveillance technology in February 2026. This review will likely address the current concerns and assess the future direction of the city’s surveillance initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Jeffrey Jordon?
Jeffrey Jordon is a former San Diego Police Department captain who played a significant role in selecting and negotiating the contract with Flock Safety for the city’s surveillance system. After retiring from SDPD in April 2025, he began working for Flock Safety approximately three months later.
What is Flock Safety?
Flock Safety is a company that provides automated license plate recognition and surveillance technologies to law enforcement agencies and private entities across the United States. Founded in 2017, the company has faced scrutiny in various jurisdictions for its data-sharing practices and the potential for surveillance overreach.
What is the San Diego City Council’s response to the concerns about Flock Safety?
In response to concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the transparency of the contract award process, several San Diego City Council members have urged the police department to explore alternatives to Flock Safety for the city’s surveillance system. Councilmembers Joe LaCava and Kent Lee have formally requested that Mayor Todd Gloria and Police Chief Scott Wahl issue a new request for information to evaluate other vendors for automated license plate recognition services.
What is the next step regarding the surveillance technology in San Diego?
The San Diego City Council is scheduled to review the annual report for the San Diego Police Department’s surveillance technology in February 2026. This review will likely address current concerns and assess the future direction of the city’s surveillance initiatives.
Key Features of the San Diego Surveillance System
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology | Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) integrated with Smart Streetlight cameras |
| Contractor | Flock Safety, in partnership with Ubicquia Inc. |
| Number of Cameras | 500 Smart Streetlight cameras installed throughout San Diego |
| Purpose | Enhance public safety by assisting in crime investigations and deterrence |
| Approval Date | November 2023 |
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