US cities debate Flock Safety license plate cameras amid privacy concerns
US cities debated the use of Flock Safety license plate-reading cameras in March 2026 amid privacy concerns. Denver considered replacing Flock with Axon's system after residents criticized unauthorized extensions, while Troy residents called for contract review citing concerns about data security and access by federal immigration authorities.
What happened
Denver City Council considered replacing its Flock Safety license plate-reading camera system with Axon Enterprise cameras in March 2026, as Flock's contract was expiring. The proposed $150,000 Axon contract would install 50 cameras in public intersections to capture license plates and vehicle features to aid crime investigations.
In Troy, New York, residents called for review of the city's Flock Safety contract, citing privacy concerns and data security risks. Approximately 26 Flock cameras were installed across Troy; Mayor Carmella Mantello stated the cameras would not be removed, while City Council President Sue Steele clarified that discussion of the contract was not a step toward defunding police.
Reported impact
Denver residents and council members criticized the mayor's office for repeatedly extending the Flock contract without council approval. ICE agents accessed Denver's Flock database nearly 1,400 times in 2024 to support immigration enforcement operations.
Troy residents expressed concerns about privacy rights, data storage security, and unauthorized access to footage, with some worrying the system could be vulnerable to hackers.
Index analysis
The incidents reflect a broader national debate over the use of automated license plate readers by law enforcement. Concerns centered on transparency, data access controls, and use of surveillance data by federal immigration authorities without explicit public knowledge or approval.
Governance controls
Denver council members requested details about potential audits of system usage, data retention policies, and protocols for sharing data with other agencies before approving a contract. Troy residents called for public forums to inform residents about camera operations and data access before renewal decisions.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.