CRIME & LAW

U.S. Cities Move To Restrict Flock ALPR Use

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Shaker Heights rewrote its contract with Flock this month to require court-issued search warrants before any outside agency can obtain license-plate data, grant the city access to all Flock audit logs, and tie police searches to specific case numbers. Appleton announced last month it will disable and remove Flock cameras, and Cleveland's safety committee recently voted down a contract renewal. Shaker Heights Mayor David Weiss issued a statement committing to keep the tool available under tighter rules, while the grassroots group Shake Off Flock criticized the amended deal. Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford set disablement by the end of June and removal by the end of July if deadlines are unmet, and Cleveland's council president is seeking a rehearing with county officials present.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Grassroots group obtains public records showing outside agencies accessed local ALPR data.
Shaker Heights amends its Flock contract to require warrants and audit access.
Cleveland safety committee votes down Flock contract renewal; council president seeks reconsideration.
Appleton mayor announces end of Flock use and committee examines broader ALPR ban.
Appleton committee recommends ending payments after fiscal year and sets camera removal deadlines.

Why This Matters to You

Your privacy is at stake. Flock's license-plate readers (ALPRs) collect data that can be accessed by outside agencies. Cities like Shaker Heights and Appleton are setting stricter rules or removing ALPRs altogether. Check your city's stance on ALPR use.

The Bottom Line

Cities are pushing back against potential privacy invasions by Flock's ALPRs. This is a win for privacy advocates, but the debate isn't over. Stay informed about your city's decisions. Worth forwarding if you value your privacy.