Milwaukee Mayor Restricts Police Use of Flock Safety Cameras

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson announced new restrictions on the Milwaukee Police Department's use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras on August 31. The policy changes follow public concerns over civil liberties and at least three documented instances of officers misusing the technology.

Under the new rules, access to the camera system is limited exclusively to supervisors, barring general officers and detectives. The technology may now only be used for investigations involving Part I violent crimes, abductions, drug trafficking, and critical missing persons. To increase transparency, the city will launch a public information dashboard and the Fire and Police Commission will conduct independent audits every six months.

While approximately 200 other cities have banned the technology entirely, Johnson declined a full ban, noting the system's effectiveness in apprehending violent criminals and finding missing people. The city's current contract with Flock Safety expires in January 2027.