Story perspectives

About 100 U.S. police cut Flock Safety ties after backlash

8/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. police departments are cutting ties with Flock Safety after privacy backlash.
Grafton and East Bridgewater police chiefs deactivated or terminated Flock cameras over privacy concerns.
Stow police ended contract after an officer allegedly used Flock data to target a former partner.
New Bedford police paused Flock cameras following an alleged officer stalking of an ex-girlfriend.
Approximately 100 U.S. communities have deactivated or cancelled Flock contracts, according to DeFlock.org.

History

Historical Context

The FBI, operating 56 field offices, deployed the DOJ-funded Carnivore system in 1999 and later created the National Domestic Communications Assistance Center in 2012, both sparking oversight concerns over warrantless digital surveillance. That legacy prompted 100 police departments—including Grafton, Stow, Massachusetts, and others—to drop Flock Safety contracts in 2024 amid privacy objections.

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Story summary

U.S. police departments are cutting ties with Flock Safety after privacy backlash.
Grafton and East Bridgewater police chiefs deactivated or terminated Flock cameras over privacy concerns.
Stow police ended contract after an officer allegedly used Flock data to target a former partner.
New Bedford police paused Flock cameras following an alleged officer stalking of an ex-girlfriend.
Approximately 100 U.S. communities have deactivated or cancelled Flock contracts, according to DeFlock.org.

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