Local Governments Terminate Flock Safety Surveillance Contracts

Local governing bodies in Michigan and Indiana are dismantling surveillance networks provided by Flock Safety amid growing privacy concerns and budget reviews. On September 8, the Independence Township Board of Trustees voted to remove all eight cameras in its jurisdiction and terminate its agreement with the company. Township officials directed the administration to ensure all collected data is permanently purged via an affidavit.

In Indiana, the Marshall County Council voted 4-3 on September 14 to defund its contract for automated license plate readers. This action follows a previous decision by county commissioners to block the contract's automatic renewal. Marshall County will remove six cameras and pay a $500 termination fee per unit, mirroring similar recent removals in neighboring Kosciusko and Starke counties.

While some jurisdictions are removing the technology, others are attempting to manage public backlash. The Davison Township board scheduled a public meeting for September 14 to address community concerns. Local police described the session as a necessary step to counter misinformation that they claim has caused unnecessary panic within the community.