US Localities Clash Over Flock License Plate Reader Deployment

Law enforcement agencies in multiple states are deploying automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems from Flock Safety, sparking a divide between investigative utility and privacy rights. In Pearl River County, Mississippi, the county awarded a contract in August 2026 to install four initial cameras at key locations, including Interstate 59. Adrian Lumpkin, the Pearl River County Administrator, defended the system as a useful investigative tool, though he acknowledged the risk of misuse and stated that officers caught abusing the system should be fired.

While Mississippi residents have launched petitions for a statewide ban citing Fourth Amendment violations, Michigan is pursuing a regulatory approach. State Representative Alicia St. Germaine introduced a legislative package to criminalize the improper use of ALPR data, including unauthorized sharing or searches unrelated to active alerts. The proposed laws would mandate a 30-day data retention limit and establish penalties ranging from fines to four years in prison for repeat offenders.

The push for regulation in Michigan follows reports of officer misconduct. The Eastpointe City Council terminated its contract with Flock after police disclosed that two officers allegedly misused the system, while the St. Clair Shores City Council implemented a six-month moratorium on the technology. In response to these concerns, some police chiefs have increased system audits from annually to monthly to prevent further abuses.