Ord City Council Votes to Remove License Plate Cameras

The Ord City Council voted 5-0 on August 3 to remove Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras from the city. The decision followed concerns over public privacy and a refusal by council members to approve a $6,000 annual maintenance fee.

The cameras were originally installed in 2025 using a $49,000 grant from the Region 26 911 Center and Emergency Management Agency. While Valley County Sheriff David Scheideler argued the technology helped facilitate six felony arrests and the recovery of four stolen cameras, local law enforcement reported minimal utility. Ord Police Chief Branden Stoural stated his department used the system fewer than five times in a year, resulting in no arrests or convictions.

The decision now moves to the Valley County Board for further action.