Leesburg Diversity Commission Meeting - September 15, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 5:45 PM and adjourned at 8:00 PM. The commission unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes from the August meeting. The primary discussion was a presentation by Chief of Police and Captain Chris Mongolo on the use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) by the Leesburg Police Department. Other topics included e-bike safety, future event planning, and budget priorities for FY 2027.

Consent Calendar

• The commission unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting with no opposition.

Discussion Items

• Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) Presentation: Chief of Police and Captain Chris Mongolo presented on the town's use of Flock ALPR cameras. They explained that the cameras capture rear images of vehicles and license plates, but do not identify drivers. Virginia law (2.2-517) governs usage, restricting data retention to 21 days, requiring audit trails, and prohibiting sharing with federal agencies or out-of-state law enforcement. The town has four cameras funded by a $12,000 grant through the HEAT (Help End Auto Theft) program, located at high-traffic areas (Villages of Leesburg, Target, Compass Creek). There are approximately 15 Flock cameras in total, with others owned by private entities (HOAs, stores, etc.). Case study: An organized retail theft ring was apprehended after cameras alerted officers; $6,000 in losses were recouped. The department audits 100% of searches to ensure lawful use. Only felony offenses, missing persons, and AMBER/Silver alerts are tracked. Chief emphasized that misuse is caught through auditing. Commissioners asked about sharing with other agencies, private entity regulations, data storage, and potential expansion to speed cameras or red-light cameras. The chief noted that the department is considering red-light cameras in the future but is currently focused on school zone speed cameras, which have reduced average speeds by 24.7%.
• E-Bike Safety: A commissioner raised concerns about children operating e-bikes unsafely (speeding, no helmets, sidewalk riding). The Chief reported recent crashes involving juveniles, including one where a rider crossed King Street without stopping and was hit by a car. He noted that some bikes are illegally modified (e.g., replacing a Class 3 sticker with a Class 2 sticker). The department takes an educational approach for younger riders but will charge older juveniles (14+). Loudoun County Public Schools are implementing mandatory training.
• Mr. Goody's Event Proposal: The commission discussed a proposal from Mr. Rajish Guti to host a cultural event. Members felt the proposal lacked structure and planning. Some suggested co-hosting with existing community events or planning a small event for early summer 2027. The commission agreed to revisit the idea and explore other opportunities.
• FY 2027 Budget Priorities: The commission discussed future budget items, including a group photograph (to be taken at the next meeting), completion of the commission logo, and potential purchase of a tent or tarp for events (pending logo design).
• Future Meeting Format: It was agreed to hold the December 2026 meeting online, and possibly the January 2027 meeting as well, subject to authorization.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval of agenda and August minutes.
• The commission will take a group photograph at a future meeting.
• The December 2026 meeting will be held online; January 2027 may also be online.
• No immediate commitment to Mr. Goody's event proposal; the commission will explore other options for community events in 2027.
• The ALPR presentation concluded with no formal action; information was received by the commission.