by 
The Empire Expresses Its Support
Public meetings are not usually known for entertainment, but this time San Diego council members received a visit from the Dark Side that they are unlikely to forget. A man fully dressed in a Darth Vader costume approached the microphone and, in character as the villain, delivered scathing criticism of the controversial Flock Safety cameras.
The unidentified Sith spoke during public comments at a meeting of the San Diego City Council’s Public Safety Committee. Instead of simply complaining about automatic license plate readers, he enthusiastically pretended to support them on behalf of the Galactic Empire.
“The Emperor is thrilled with Flock. This technology will help us keep an eye on the rebellious scum between playgrounds, pools and gyms,” he said.
Some of those present in the YouTube video where Vader’s speech was published could barely contain their laughter.
The joking Darth noted that the cameras could help him stalk his ex-girlfriend, and then expanded his satirical attack to police funding, homelessness policy, public utilities and incarceration.
Later, the Star Wars references returned at full speed. Vader assured that the cameras could find the Rebel base on Hoth and even track Luke Skywalker flying an X-wing. He called the technology
“a necessary, necessary force”
.
Cameras That Find People and Make Enemies
Behind the humor lies a much more serious struggle. Flock’s automatic cameras photograph cars and record license plates, creating a search system for police. Supporters say it helps find missing people, recover stolen cars and identify suspects.
Critics take a much colder view. The Guardian reports that in San Diego, a man spent a month in jail after a Flock reader falsely linked him to an attempted armed carjacking. According to DeFlock, by August 2026, about 100 municipalities had deactivated, cancelled or rejected contracts with Flock.
San Diego, however, voted back in December to keep the system running, so the cameras still work — much to the Empire’s delight. Whether Vader convinced anyone is unknown, but he certainly found a far more memorable way to complain about surveillance than yet another three-minute PowerPoint presentation.
Photo: Flock, City of San Diego
The controversies surrounding Flock are not subsiding, and each new incident adds arguments for both supporters and opponents of such systems. While some cities see cameras as an effective investigation tool, others point to false positives and the risks of constant surveillance. And Darth Vader’s appearance at the city council podium is not just a good joke, but also a sign that the public dialogue about security technology is increasingly moving beyond official reports.
