(Daily Signal)—All 122 Flock surveillance cameras operating in Henrico County will be shut down by the middle of October, making the county the latest jurisdiction in Virginia to cut ties with the license plate reading company.
“As a county, we have listened as our residents have shared legitimate concerns about Flock Safety, the proliferation of its cameras across the nation, and whether the data collected is sufficiently safeguarded to protect the privacy of individuals in our community,” the leaders of the county’s board of supervisors said in a news release.
“While we are confident that Henrico Police has used ALPR data appropriately for legitimate law enforcement purposes only, we cannot ignore the potential for misuse of system data by others. Ending this contract is the right thing to do for our residents and community.”
Henrico had signed a contract extension earlier this year that would have run into November of 2027 but decided to pull the plug within seven days instead. All information collected by the cameras is scheduled to be deleted within 30 days. County Manager John Vithoulkas told WRIC, “It was a balance between public safety and the fact that people feel like their rights are being infringed upon as they drive through these cameras.”
In neighboring Goochland County, the cameras went dark in August.
“I have decided to suspend the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office’s use of Flock ALPR cameras. This decision is not the result of any identified misuse of the system,” Sheriff Steven Creasey wrote. “ALPR technology is a valuable investigative tool that helps law enforcement locate stolen vehicles, missing or endangered persons, wanted individuals, and vehicles connected to criminal activity.”
Creasey added that he recognizes that citizens are concerned about privacy issues.
Deflock.org allows readers to zoom in on a map of Virginia and see where the cameras are still operating.
The town of Damascus has only three Flock cameras, but it will soon have zero. The town council voted 6-0 this week to end its contract with the company. Ahead of the vote, the city’s police chief said getting rid of the cameras would be a mistake. “This is one of the single greatest tools that we can have,” Kermit Turner told Cardinal News. “Anything can be abused. I feel very comfortable with my guys not abusing the system, because they know that if there is any kind of violation of our policy, because it’s scrutinized, they will be terminated. No questions asked.”
Statewide, more than 20 cities and counties have suspended the use of cameras or ended their relationship with Flock altogether. That includes Montgomery, Amherst, Bedford, Bland, Floyd, Giles, Halifax and Henry counties, as well as numerous cities. The city of Richmond, which has 99 fixed cameras, has not taken action to turn them off.
Flock cameras are in fixed locations and capture images of license plates as cars pass by. They do not capture identification about the driver or the car’s passengers. Law enforcement officials call the cameras an important crime fighting tool.
“I’m a progressive prosecutor, always have been, and I am telling you, this is a civil rights tool as much as public safety,” Norfolk commonwealth’s attorney Ramin Fatehi told WAVY last month. “If people don’t want to be stopped by the police and messed up with when they have not done anything wrong, they want Flock.”
A state law that took effect in 2025 required officials to delete all camera-captured data after 21 days. However, citizens have raised concerns about surveillance and data collection. Republican state Sen. Glen Sturtevant said he will introduce a bill in January that would eliminate cameras throughout the commonwealth.
“It’s high time that we get these things out of Virginia altogether,” he told WRC-TV. “I don’t want a better regulated surveillance network. I don’t want a surveillance network period.”
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.