NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A study by Christopher Newport University professors found that automatic license plate reader cameras, colloquially known as Flock cameras, are more highly concentrated in Black communities and high-poverty areas across Hampton Roads.

“GIS technology is what we used to create the maps. Then our colleague, the statistician, ran various regression analyses to look and say, what variables are most predictive of where these cameras are?” said Steven Keener, a CNU Professor and Director of the Center for Crime, Equity, and Justice Research and Policy. 

Race and class are the predictive variables that Christopher Newport University professors said play a role in Flock camera locations in the region. 

Scholars were able to conduct their analysis after a federal judge released a list of Flock cameras across Hampton Roads back in November 2025. 

Keener, along with Professor John Finn and Professor Andrew Baird, used the allocation list of nearly 614 Flock cameras in order to discover what they say is an alarming trend of where these cameras are located. 

“In neighborhoods that are predominantly Black and have higher poverty rates, the surveillance is more intense,” said Keener. 

Researchers found the cameras are in areas where law enforcement said there is a need for more crime prevention. 

According to CNU data, Black neighborhoods experience automated license plate surveillance at nearly four times the rate compared to white neighborhoods. 

“75% of high poverty census tracks contain at least one camera, where fewer than 40% of low poverty tracks have one camera,” said Keener. 

Keener tells 13News Now the statewide concern over Flock cameras sparked a need to research deeper findings. 

“We have this fundamental assumption that the government and law enforcement leave us alone unless we give them a reason, unless there is probable cause or a warrant,” said Keener. “In this case, the vast majority of people being collected by these cameras are people living their everyday lives.” 

Keener said the extensive study is not about why there is an influx of cameras in predominantly marginalized areas, but to bring attention to the disparities surrounding mass surveillance. 

“What we are saying is, no matter what the intent was, this is the impact. If you live in neighborhoods that are predominantly Black or have higher poverty rates, you are going to experience more surveillance. That is the reality,” said Keener.