Full Breakdown
Cities Halt Flock Safety License-Plate Reader Contracts Over Privacy Concerns
7/11/2026, 1:31:40 PM
Core Decision Across Municipalities
In the summer of 2026, several U.S. jurisdictions announced the termination or non-renewal of contracts with Flock Safety, the company that supplies automated license-plate-reading (ALPR) cameras. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) let its three-year agreement expire on a Saturday, Westland, Michigan will remove its ten cameras when the contract ends later this month, and Kaukauna, Wisconsin announced it will not renew its contract. All three actions cite “serious concerns around civil liberties and civil rights issues, particularly around privacy and the data that is being collected” as the primary driver.
Background & Context
Flock Safety’s ALPR systems capture vehicle license plates and store the data for periods ranging from seven to 30 days before deletion. The technology has been promoted as a tool for tracking suspects, locating missing persons, and solving violent crimes. However, community backlash over privacy, data-sharing practices, and potential use by agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has grown nationwide, prompting city councils and police chiefs to reassess the contracts.
Key Figures & Groups
- Dean Gialamas, LAPD chief information officer – explained the LAPD’s decision.
- Melissa Sampey, Westland City Councilwoman – voiced resident opposition.
- Mike McDermott, Westland City Council President – highlighted constitutional worries.
- Jamie Graff, Kaukauna Police Chief – cited fiscal responsibility and community concerns.
- Flock Safety – the vendor, represented in statements by its spokesperson.
- Local advocacy groups such as DeFlock Michigan and the Socialists of Western-Wayne have pressed councils for greater oversight.
Data & Statistics
- Flock Safety reported that in 2025 its technology supported more than one million criminal investigations, contributed to an estimated 20 % of solved cases in jurisdictions where it operates, and helped locate over 10 000 missing people.
- Westland’s deployment consisted of 10 cameras primarily along Ford Road.
- LAPD’s cameras retain data for seven to 30 days before automatic deletion.
Official Statements & Responses
The LAPD emphasized that its use of Flock cameras is “strictly for law-enforcement purposes” and not for immigration enforcement. Police officials in Westland noted that the cameras do not capture occupants’ faces and lack facial-recognition capability, while also acknowledging the technology’s investigative value. Kaukauna’s police department affirmed a commitment to “using effective tools and investigative strategies to support public safety” while deactivating the equipment. Flock Safety responded that any deployment must include “strong privacy protections, strict auditability, and clear oversight” and expressed willingness to continue discussions with the LAPD.
Criticism & Opposition
Residents in Westland repeatedly questioned who could access license-plate data, with Councilwoman Sampey stating, “It really became apparent that the community was against it.” Council President McDermott warned of “privacy and constitutional concerns, including worries about corporate data-sharing practices and access by outside agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement.” The American Civil Liberties Union has proposed guidelines for ALPR use, reflecting broader civil-rights apprehensions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
It remains unclear whether LAPD-owned cameras will continue recording after the contract expires, as the department does not own the hardware. Neither Westland nor Kaukauna has announced a replacement vendor, leaving the future of ALPR coverage in those cities uncertain. Flock’s impact figures are self-reported and not independently verified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This contract is not being renewed because of serious concerns around civil liberties and civil rights issues, particularly around privacy and the data that is being collected from these cameras,” — Dean Gialamas, LAPD chief information officer
- “It really became apparent that the community was against it,” — Melissa Sampey, Westland City Councilwoman
- “In a statement, McDermott said he opposes continued use of the cameras, citing privacy and constitutional concerns, including worries about corporate data-sharing practices and access by outside agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement.” — Mike McDermott, Westland City Council President
- “It is not fiscally responsible for the city to continue to invest in the Flock Cameras with the concerns that have been raised and the inability to partner with area communities,” — Jamie Graff, Kaukauna Police Chief
- “Flock's position has been simple: if this technology is going to be used, it should be used with strong privacy protections, strict auditability, and clear oversight,” — Flock Safety spokesperson
- “Cases will take longer to solve, organized retail theft crews will operate with fewer obstacles, an Amber Alert may not be returned home, and victims may wait longer, or indefinitely, for justice,” — Flock Safety statement
What’s Next
The LAPD is engaged in “discussions with Flock Safety about revising the agreement” to address privacy and data-storage language. Westland’s cameras will be removed after the contract’s expiration at the end of the month, and the city is evaluating alternative ALPR solutions. Kaukauna is working with Flock to deactivate and remove equipment while exploring new vendors.
