More than 100 cities across the U.S. have canceled or not renewed contracts with Flock Safety for its automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems in 2025, citing privacy risks and potential misuse. The trend follows reports of unauthorized data access and concerns over Fourth Amendment violations.
Nevada lawmakers took a separate step this week by advancing a bill proposal to regulate ALPRs, including Flock’s technology, amid growing scrutiny. The legislation would require agencies using automated license plate systems to adopt written policies, train users on legal and data-protection requirements, and undergo independent audits for compliance.
Flock’s ALPR network operates in 49 states, with over 120,000 cameras actively capturing license plate data. The system allows law enforcement, school districts, and businesses to share data with third parties, including police and federal agencies like the FBI. Unlike traditional red-light cameras, Flock’s technology records every passing vehicle, creating a digital fingerprint of movement.
Cities End Contracts Over Privacy Risks
At least 105 local governments have terminated or declined to renew Flock contracts since January 2025, according to a database compiled by the Institute for Justice. Among them, Tempe, Arizona, officially turned off its Flock cameras and will not seek a replacement system. Mayor Corey Woods stated that while the technology aided crime-solving, the risk of misuse outweighed its benefits.
Cave Creek, Arizona, and Bellingham, Massachusetts, also announced this month that they would discontinue Flock’s services. In Texas, Hood County officials voted to remove the system after commissioners raised concerns about its capabilities. Bellingham Police Chief Kenneth Fitzgerald noted that an AI-powered feature called Free Form allowed searches using plain language, which he said exceeded prior public understanding of the technology.
Nevada Lawmakers Propose Oversight Measures
In Nevada, the state legislature’s interim judiciary committee unanimously recommended drafting a bill to regulate ALPRs. Democratic state Sen. Melanie Scheible, chair of the committee, emphasized the need for oversight, stating that without explicit prohibitions, agencies could deploy the technology freely. Republican state Rep. Alexis Hansen supported the proposal but acknowledged extensive debate would follow during the next legislative session.
The proposed bill would mandate:
- Written policies for agencies using ALPRs.
- Training on lawful use and data protection.
- Independent audits to verify compliance.
Federal and State Legislative Responses
At the federal level, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) introduced the Protection Against Mass Surveillance Act, which would ban federal agencies from purchasing, deploying, or accessing automated surveillance systems, including ALPRs. The bill has not yet gained widespread support, with critics arguing it faces resistance from law enforcement agencies.
A 2024 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that several federal agencies, including Customs and Border Protection (CBP), ICE, and the FBI, failed to apply adequate civil rights and privacy safeguards when handling ALPR data. The report highlighted concerns over facial recognition, AI analytics, and biometric systems integrated with ALPR networks.
Flock’s Defense and Broader Implications
Flock Safety has not publicly addressed the wave of cancellations but has previously defended its technology as a tool for public safety. The company states its systems have assisted in solving crimes, including thefts and violent offenses. However, critics argue that the lack of strict regulations enables unchecked surveillance and potential abuse, such as tracking individuals without warrants.
The dual developments—municipal cancellations and legislative proposals—reflect a broader national debate over balancing security with privacy rights. While some jurisdictions prioritize crime-solving benefits, others emphasize the risks of mass data collection and unauthorized access to sensitive information.