Cities in 23 U.S. states have canceled contracts for automated surveillance cameras supplied by Flock Safety, responding to growing community concerns over privacy and data use. Deflock, an advocacy group, said 23 cities have ended agreements or disabled Flock's automatic license plate readers since January, adding to 98 such cancellations since 2021.
Harrisonburg, Virginia, was among the cities that terminated its contract with Flock. Bloomington, Indiana, ended a $50,000 agreement after significant community opposition. Tompkins County, New York, dissolved its contract following months of organized activism from residents.
The Los Angeles Police Department, the third-largest police force in the country, suspended its partnership with Flock before letting its contract expire July 11. The department cited concerns over privacy, data sharing practices, system security and specific contract terms.
Flock Safety markets a range of surveillance systems, primarily known for its license plate readers. The company has also expanded into broader surveillance technologies and is developing first-responder drones following its acquisition of Aerodome.
As Flock's network of cameras expanded across the United States, so did the backlash. Police officers have allegedly used the surveillance system for personal reasons in some jurisdictions.
Activists and residents have directly protested the cameras, with reports of individuals painting, burning and cutting down the devices in various locations.
Monroe County, Indiana, voted to end its contract with Flock a year earlier than scheduled. The decision came despite existing agreements and reflected pressure local officials face from constituents concerned about pervasive surveillance.
Efforts to regulate or restrict automated surveillance systems continue at both local and federal levels, including proposed legislation to ban federal funding for such programs.
