Ulster County Executive Bans AI Surveillance Technology

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger signed Executive Order No. 5 of 2026 on October 22, prohibiting county departments and employees from using Flock cameras and other artificial intelligence-assisted surveillance technologies. The ban prevents the purchase, acquisition, deployment, or use of AI tools capable of tracking people and vehicles, mapping associations, or utilizing facial recognition.

The order also forbids county employees from providing funding, technical expertise, or data to outside parties deploying these systems. Metzger stated the measure balances public safety with the protection of residents' constitutional rights and personal privacy, citing concerns regarding security breaches and unauthorized data sharing.

While the ban applies to the County Executive's jurisdiction, it does not prohibit the use of Flock cameras by independent municipalities, police departments, or private entities within the region. Metzger noted that the county government does not currently own or deploy this technology.