Across the United States, a growing chorus of cities and counties is terminating contracts with Flock Safety, the automated license plate reader (ALPR) company, reflecting widespread concerns about surveillance overreach, federal data access, and civil liberties. The pattern spans at least a dozen states and represents a significant reversal for a surveillance technology once positioned as a tool for public safety.
In the Northeast, Syracuse, New York finalized an eight-month contract cancellation with Flock after reporting concerns about unauthorized data sharing with federal immigration agents and technical reliability issues. According to Central Current, Flock has resisted the full dissolution and continues to assert contractual rights to anonymized driver data even after physical camera removal. Massachusetts municipalities have also joined the exodus, with multiple cities cutting ties with Flock over what WCVB reported as a "breach of trust."
The Midwest is witnessing particularly vocal opposition. In Wisconsin, Verona took the extraordinary step of covering Flock cameras with trash bags after the company refused to voluntarily remove them following contract cancellation. According to TechRadar, officials said cameras were "still working" even after being covered. Stoughton's city council unanimously voted to terminate its Flock agreement, and UpNorthNews documented broader Wisconsinite activism against AI surveillance cameras in the state.
The Pacific and Mountain West regions are experiencing similar momentum. El Cerrito, California began removing its 40-camera Flock network, a significant victory for Bay Area privacy advocates. NBC Bay Area reported that federal agencies have gained access to Flock cameras in El Cerrito, illustrating the civil liberties concerns that prompted the city's decision to dismantle its infrastructure. Ocean Shores, Washington removed its Flock system, replacing it with Axon cameras that remain non-operational, according to The Daily World.
In the South, Harrisonburg, Virginia's city council voted to end its Flock contract following resident concerns about the technology. Rocktown Now reported that residents expressed concerns about the technology. Monroe County, Indiana cancelled its contract early, according to Indiana Public Media.
In the Northeast, South Kingstown, Rhode Island cancelled its Flock contract following community advocacy and an ACLU letter, according to SteveAhlquist.news.
Other jurisdictions have also moved to distance themselves from the company. Macon County, North Carolina voted to let its ALPR contract with Flock lapse, according to Smoky Mountain News. Salem ended its Flock contract but maintains other public safety surveillance, per Patch. Redwood City, California residents are urging officials to review the municipality's Flock contract according to the San Mateo Daily Journal. Taos, New Mexico councilors voted to shift away from Flock according to KOB 4.