Charlottesville Police Halt Implementation of New Data Technology Over Data Access Concerns
By Kate Nuechterlein
Published: June 20, 2025, 7:21 PM EDT
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The Charlottesville Police Department has announced its decision to cease plans for a new data technology system called Peregrine, initially approved by the City Council. This move comes in response to growing concerns regarding the potential for misuse of collected data, particularly in relation to immigration enforcement practices.
Concerns Highlighted by Police Chief
Following a narrow vote to allocate $150,000 for the procurement of Peregrine’s services, Police Chief Michael Kochis indicated that some City Council members began to express reservations about how the collected data could be utilized. “There’s just a concern right now that the federal government could get access to data like that,” Kochis stated. In acknowledgment of the Council’s shifting sentiments, he confirmed, “Understanding that if the will of council is to no longer have that program, then we’re not going to use it.”
Questions Regarding Federal Access
When queried about the likelihood of federal agencies obtaining access to data stored with Peregrine, Chief Kochis remarked, “It’s about as likely as any other one of our systems.” He elaborated that without a search warrant or a court order, access would be limited, yet acknowledged the fears surrounding surveillance and data privacy. “There was a fear there, so I get it,” he added.
Restrictions on Camera Footage Access
In addition to scrapping plans for the Peregrine system, Charlottesville Police are imposing restrictions on access to footage captured by Flock, a network of cameras monitoring the area. The Chief voiced concerns that law enforcement agencies in Virginia, particularly the 13 that have signed onto the 287(g) program—which permits local jurisdictions to enforce immigration laws—could potentially access Flock footage intended solely for Charlottesville use. “There’s a concern that those agencies that have Flock or have access to the system could gain access to ours,” Kochis explained.
Community Response to Decision
The decision to halt the development of the Peregrine system has been met with varying reactions among community members and advocates, especially considering the implications it holds for policing and community relations.
As the national conversation around policing technology and data privacy continues to evolve, local jurisdictions like Charlottesville are grappling with the balance between public safety and the civil liberties of their residents.
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This article provides an overview of the Charlottesville Police Department’s recent decisions regarding technology and data management, reflective of community concerns about privacy and federal overreach.
