RPD Chief Edwards presents how Flock cameras work, though some Richmonders oppose their use

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards has continued to defend the city's use of Flock cameras, both designed to help solve crimes involving vehicles and detect gunshots.

Walking through a 25-page presentation, he worked to put some concerns to rest at Richmond City Council's public safety committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Some Richmonders are not on board, speaking out both on Monday's City Council meeting and on Tuesday.

"I am convinced that the technology is helpful," said Chief Edwards in front of the committee.

He says the tools are helping police, as 99 Flock cameras are deployed in the River City. The chief pointed out one case: the 2024 killing of Marvin Ramos-Hernandez at a Southside restaurant where he worked. Police say Flock data helped track down two suspects, arresting them 33 minutes after Ramos-Hernandez was pronounced dead.

The chief acknowledged Ramos-Hernandez's family who were present at the meeting.

"Not only did we collect [the suspects' vehicle], but we found the murder weapon still on his hip. I can tell you that this result, we may have solved this case, but I guarantee it wasn't in 33 minutes, and it may not have been without other victims [without the technology]." Chief Edwards said.

Since the city entered yearly Flock contracts in 2022, Chief Edwards says it's hard to tell how many arrests have been attributed to Flock use. He sees Flock data use as one piece in the arresting process.

At the committee meeting on Tuesday and the council meeting the night before, Richmonders have voiced they are still not entirely impressed.

"Unfortunately, it's mass surveillance," one demonstrator said on Tuesday in front of the committee. "We have rights in this country which make the police's job harder. I know that's unfortunate."

Some claim the cameras are being used against Black, brown and poor communities.

"I can tell you that we don't look at the census tract of where we put things," Chief Edwards told 8News after making his remarks. "We don't control where the shootings occur, though, in our city. So, we try to use the data where shooting — where these can be most effective and efficient and try to protect people."

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula said he's not interested in losing the contract with Flock at the moment.

"The way that Flock has augmented our law enforcement response — this is kind of the new age of policing," Mayor Avula said on Monday.

Chief Edwards says he had nothing to hide, and told our 8News team he's happy to meet with activists and other Richmonders objecting to Flock camera use and will talk about the program with them.

See Chief Edwards's full presentation here.