Full Breakdown
Nationwide Pullback on Flock License-Plate Readers
By Drooid · · How we work
Municipal Decisions to End or Suspend Contracts
Across the United States, dozens of cities, counties and university campuses are terminating or pausing contracts with Flock Safety, the vendor of AI-enabled automated license-plate readers (ALPRs). The moves follow public pressure, revelations about data-sharing practices, and new state directives that have halted funding for the technology. In many jurisdictions the cameras remain installed, but officials are reviewing data-retention policies and, in some cases, ordering removal within weeks.
Background and Context
Founded in 2017, Flock Safety markets its solar-powered cameras as tools for “enhancing public safety.” The company reports more than 120,000 cameras deployed in 49 states, feeding a searchable national database used by thousands of law-enforcement agencies. Reports of misuse—such as officers tracking ex-partners or using the system for immigration enforcement—have sparked a bipartisan backlash.
Data and Statistics
- Over 200 local governments have cancelled or failed to renew Flock contracts since early 2025.
- Flock’s standard data-retention period was shortened from 30 days to seven days, though jurisdictions may extend it.
- Dallas Police Department retains Flock data for 365 days, far longer than the company’s recommended period.
- Georgetown, Delaware deletes data after 30 days unless downloaded, while Newark Police retain it for 180 days.
- More than 1,000 ALPRs operate in the St. Louis region, many supplied by Flock.
Official Statements & Responses
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a directive in late August that halted state grant funding for Flock cameras, prompting Texas agencies to suspend use. Flock CEO Garrett Langley said the company has added “case-code” requirements for all searches and introduced an “Audit Assistance” feature that flags abnormal queries. The Florida Department of Transportation revoked permits for ALPRs on state roadways, citing “exponential increase in deployments” and “concerning reports of misuse.”
Criticism and Opposition
State legislators in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts have introduced bills that would ban or heavily restrict networked ALPRs, arguing that “once that surveillance network is built, there is no guarantee it will only be used in ways we find acceptable today.”
On-the-Ground Reports
St. Hazelwood, Missouri police lieutenant Shane Parrish highlighted investigations—illegal dumping, vehicle theft and homicides—attributed to the cameras, while also noting frequent complaints from residents who view the technology as a rights violation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Data-retention policies differ widely: Dallas stores footage for a year, Georgetown deletes after 30 days, and Flock’s default is seven days. The company asserts that Immigration and Customs Enforcement does not have direct access, yet several local agencies have used Flock data under 287(g) agreements to support immigration enforcement. Public-record requests in Florida revealed that the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission uses Flock to assist ICE arrests, while the Florida Department of Transportation has banned the cameras from state highways but not from municipal installations.
What’s Next
Legislators in Massachusetts are debating Bill H. 3755, which would limit data retention to 14 days and prohibit use of ALPRs for First-Amendment monitoring. A federal “Flock-Off Act” introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie seeks to bar federal grants for ALPR purchases and require removal of existing systems. Flock’s announced policy changes are scheduled to take effect by January 1. As municipalities continue to weigh public-safety benefits against privacy risks, further contract terminations and policy revisions are expected in the coming months.