Communities Reassess Flock License-Plate Readers

Communities are reassessing Flock Safety license-plate readers amid privacy and oversight concerns, while officials and supporters cite their investigative value. Blanchester, Ohio, voted 4-1 to remove its cameras, becoming at least the 13th Tri-State community to disable them; North Manchester, Indiana, ended its three-camera agreement after records showed a local resident’s plate had been searched dozens of times despite no criminal charge. Huntington, Indiana, leaders are considering an ordinance governing camera use and access after residents questioned who could search the data. Fresno postponed a proposed citywide ordinance until next month for further discussion, including possible limits on data retention and facial recognition, and plans not to renew its Flock contract in February as it seeks another provider, following concerns about vulnerabilities and questionable access. Pasadena officials are weighing whether to keep the system through 2028 while reviewing retention practices and safeguards, and Buda officials have defended their six-camera system while describing restricted access, audits and image retention of up to 30 days. In Huntington, officials have also described safeguards for six cameras facing traffic entering the city.