US Cities Clash Over Flock Safety Surveillance Contracts

Local governments across the United States are taking divergent actions regarding the use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology. While some cities are renewing contracts to maintain public safety capabilities, others are pausing or dismantling networks due to privacy concerns and funding shifts.

In Texas, the landscape is shifting following a directive from Governor Greg Abbott to pause state funding for the technology. The El Paso City Council voted unanimously to remove 150 decommissioned cameras within 60 days. Conversely, the Carrollton City Council voted 6-1 to renew and consolidate four contracts for 82 cameras in a three-year agreement valued at $1.19 million. Carrollton Mayor Steve Babick argued that opting out would create a void in public safety, while Police Chief Roberto Arredondo called the system the best tool available to reduce crime.

In Georgia, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is introducing legislation to codify citywide standards for surveillance technology. This move follows an audit of over 115,000 searches by the Atlanta Police Department, where Chief Darin Schierbaum is investigating a small percentage of potentially inappropriate uses. Meanwhile, in Ohio, the Hilliard City Council voted unanimously to pause its Flock contract, mirroring a similar decision made by Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther on September 3 to evaluate the technology's broader implications.