Full Breakdown
Dayton and Evanston Cover Flock License-Plate Readers with Trash Bags
5/29/2026, 4:43:27 AM
Core Event: Cameras Bagged as Stop-Gap
Dayton, Ohio placed black trash bags over its 72 Flock ALPR cameras, and Evanston, Illinois did the same with its 19 cameras. Officials described the coverings as a temporary measure while negotiating contract termination and awaiting removal.
Background & Context
Flock Safety sells AI-powered ALPR systems that identify vehicles, track movements, and deploy camera drones. Contracts grant access to a national network that can share data with federal agencies. In Dayton, a review uncovered 7,100 immigration-related searches, prompting accusations of “egregious” data-sharing violations and a $30,000 audit. Similar concerns have led municipalities such as Bend, Oregon, and Boulder, Colorado, to cancel contracts.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
Deputy city manager Joe Parlette said the Dayton Police Department agreed to work with Public Works to bag the cameras. Dayton City Council voted to suspend the program and launch an audit. Evanston’s council issued a cease-and-desist after cameras were reinstalled without permission. Both municipalities cited uncertainty about contractual rights to deactivate the system.
Criticism & Opposition
The American Civil Liberties Union warned the network is building infrastructure for a “mass surveillance state.” Civil-rights groups argue that sharing data with ICE breaches privacy protections. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden warned the technology’s ability to identify individuals makes abuse “almost inevitable.” Residents have organized protests and filed lawsuits, including a case in Boulder, Colorado.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Dayton officials claim they do not know whether the cameras remain active, while audit suggests they may still be operational. Police, sheriff’s office, and other agencies have refused public-records requests, leaving data-sharing scope unclear. Contract language on unilateral deactivation has not been disclosed, creating ambiguity about legal authority to remove the cameras.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Dayton Police Department agreed to work with Public Works to put bags over the cameras” — Joe Parlette, deputy city manager of Dayton
- “egregious” — CNET, technology news outlet
- “months of resident outrage, a scandal in which the city was sharing Flock camera data for immigration enforcement, apparently by accident, and a $30,000 audit into how the cameras are being used.” — 404 Media, investigative reporting outlet
- “mass surveillance state” — American Civil Liberties Union, civil-rights organization
What’s Next
Dayton and Evanston plan to pursue contract termination and demand removal of all Flock hardware. Several municipalities have scheduled hearings on surveillance policy and are considering legislation to regulate ALPR systems. Ongoing audits and potential litigation may clarify data sharing with federal agencies.
