Cities replace Flock with Axon cameras
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The gist
At least 100 cities have rejected Flock license plate cameras. Cities are replacing them with Axon and other vendors amid privacy concerns.
Background
Flock Safety's automated license plate readers (ALPRs) have faced growing scrutiny over privacy and data sharing, including reports of sharing data with federal authorities like ICE. In response, communities have organized to reject or cancel contracts, and some cities are switching to competitors like Axon, Motorola Solutions, or Genetec. The debate centers on whether replacing one brand with another addresses the underlying surveillance concerns.
How it unfolded
- 2026At least 100 cities have rejected ALPRs, most of them Flock cameras, according to OtherWords.
- Aug 10, 2026Pasco County Sheriff's Office in Florida announced replacing Flock cameras with Axon technology, citing easier integration and $50,000 cost savings.
- Aug 13, 2026Boulder, Colorado delayed a decision on replacing over 40 Flock cameras amid privacy concerns and election scrutiny.
- Aug 14, 2026Schenectady, NY installed Axon Outpost LPRs at 14 sites; Saratoga Springs has used Axon LPRs since 2024. Aberdeen, SD pulled the plug on LPR discussion after public opposition.
Who’s saying what
- ACLU
- ALPR companies like Flock are building a nationwide mass surveillance system that tracks movements without a warrant.
- Law enforcement
- LPRs are used to assist investigators in apprehending criminals and locating missing or endangered individuals.
- Privacy advocates
- The issue is not finding a new vendor but getting rid of all surveillance cameras, which violate Fourth Amendment rights.
- Officials
- Switching to Axon is easier to integrate with existing systems and cheaper than Flock.
Still unverified
Flock reportedly shared license plate data with federal authorities, including ICE, but this is not confirmed.