Skip to content
Ars Technica·

🔒Wisconsin Cities Cut Flock Deals Over Privacy Concerns

Privacy fears cut off data access for law enforcement

TL;DR

Several Wisconsin towns and cities have ended contracts with Flock, a company providing automated license plate recognition cameras. This move impacts local law enforcement's ability to share critical data across jurisdictions.

Wisconsin towns and cities are cutting ties with Flock over privacy issues. Dane County, including Madison, stopped funding Flock cameras in April, leading to the shutdown of data access for 140 other agencies. The network's value has diminished as more cities leave, affecting local police departments' ability to collaborate effectively. Key details include the University of Wisconsin dropping its contract on July 3 and Stoughton paying $12,500 in early termination fees.

Wisconsin Cities Cut Flock Deals Over Privacy Concerns — Ars Technica

Key Points

1

Dane County cut funding for Flock cameras in April 2023, affecting 140 other agencies

2

Fitchburg voted to discontinue its Flock subscription on May 26, 2023

3

University of Wisconsin police force will not renew its Flock deal as of July 3, 2023

4

Stoughton paid $12,500 early buyout fee to cancel its Flock contract on July 28, 2023

5

Flock announced new audit controls and lower data retention periods in response to public backlash

Why It Matters

The decision by Dane County and other cities to end their contracts with Flock impacts local law enforcement's ability to share critical data across jurisdictions. For example, the University of Wisconsin police force will now seek an alternative ALPR vendor that better meets their public safety needs without compromising privacy.

FlockWisconsinPrivacy ConcernsLaw Enforcement

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this matter?

The decision by Dane County and other cities to end their contracts with Flock impacts local law enforcement's ability to share critical data across jurisdictions. For example, the University of Wisconsin police force will now seek an alternative ALPR vendor that better meets their public safety needs without compromising privacy.

What happened?

Several Wisconsin towns and cities have ended contracts with Flock, a company providing automated license plate recognition cameras. This move impacts local law enforcement's ability to share critical data across jurisdictions.

Comments

Subscribe to join the conversation...

Be the first to comment

Enjoyed this article?

Get it daily. 7am. Free. Reads in 5 minutes.

Join 3,249 builders reading daily.

Also get