POLITICS

Local cities end Flock camera use amid privacy concerns

▪

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 4

Center 75%

Right 25%

Sources: 4

KAUKAUNA, Wis. officials announced this week that the city did not renew its three‑year contract with Flock Safety, ending use of the company's automated license plate reader cameras when the agreement expired at the end of June. Mayor Tony Penterman said he and the police chief made the decision without a council vote, citing broader reports of inappropriate uses. Green Bay and other northeast Wisconsin communities have similarly reviewed or terminated Flock services, while Appleton and Grand Chute are developing new standards for ALPR deployment. On Monday, July 6, Kalamazoo residents pressed officials over access logs and transparency; in Suffolk, Virginia, a suspect was arrested after a six‑month investigation into the deliberate destruction of Flock cameras.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Municipalities installed Flock Safety ALPR cameras for license-plate tracking over recent years.
Menominee, Michigan canceled its Flock contract earlier this year.
End of June: Kaukauna chose not to renew its three-year contract with Flock Safety.
July 6: Kalamazoo City Commission meeting where residents demanded access logs and greater transparency.
After a six-month investigation, Suffolk, Virginia police arrested a suspect accused of destroying 13 Flock cameras.

Why This Matters to You

Your city might use Flock Safety's ALPR cameras. They track license plates, potentially yours. If you're concerned about privacy, ask your local officials about their use. Check if your city has rules for ALPR deployment and who can access the data.

The Bottom Line

Cities are rethinking Flock Safety's ALPR cameras due to privacy issues. Some have ended contracts, others are setting new standards. It's a balance between safety and privacy. Worth forwarding if you know someone concerned about surveillance technology.