Technology
U.S. cities cancel Flock Safety contracts at record pace in August
Advocacy data shows a sharp rise in municipal contract terminations with the automated license plate reader company.
The short version
- A total of 90 U.S. cities and counties ended their relationships with automated license plate reader company Flock Safety in August 2026.
- The surge in August cancellations represents a fourfold increase compared to the previous month.
- Localities, including Lansing, Michigan, and Pflugerville, Texas, cited concerns over surveillance, data sharing, high costs, and police abuse as reasons for terminating contracts.
Key facts
- Data compiled by Oakland-based anti-surveillance advocacy group Secure Justice shows that 214 U.S. cities and counties have terminated contracts with Flock Safety since 2021.[Ars Technica]
- August 2026 saw a record 90 municipal cancellations of Flock Safety contracts, which is a fourfold increase from July 2026.[Ars Technica]
- Lansing, Michigan, and Pflugerville, Texas, are among the specific communities that have ended their relationships with the surveillance company.[Ars Technica]
- The cancellations are being driven by community concerns regarding excessive surveillance, unwanted data sharing, high operating expenses, and reports of police officers abusing the tools.[Ars Technica]