Pocatello Residents Protest Flock License Plate Cameras
Pocatello residents and Councilman Hayden Paulsen are challenging the city's use of Flock Safety license plate cameras over privacy and surveillance concerns.
Residents of Pocatello criticized the city's use of Flock Safety license plate cameras during a town hall meeting on October 22, 2026. Attendees raised concerns regarding Fourth Amendment privacy violations, government surveillance, and the potential for data sharing with federal agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Police Capt. Zac Bartschi defended the technology, describing the cameras as a "force multiplier" and stating that the department limits data sharing to criminal matters and conducts monthly audits. While some residents argued the technology helps crime victims, others demanded the city terminate its agreement with the provider.
Councilman Hayden Paulsen is currently pursuing a ballot initiative to end the city's three-year contract with Flock Safety, which was signed in 2024. Mayor Mark Dahlquist noted that terminating the contract early would require the city to pay out the remaining balance.
