Flock camera surveillance sparks public debate in Missouri and Colorado

Local governments in the United States are facing increasing public scrutiny regarding the use of Flock Safety automatic license plate reader cameras. In Columbia, Missouri, the City Council has passed a motion to hold a public hearing to discuss the city’s contract with the company, which is set to expire in March 2027. Council members expressed a desire to understand community sentiment and explore options for renewal or cancellation before the contract deadline.

In Summit County, Colorado, a community forum was held to address similar controversies. While the Breckenridge Police Department has maintained its support for the technology, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office recently paused its use of the cameras after several units were cut down. During the forum, Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons noted that the cameras were originally acquired through a federal grant, stating that law enforcement agencies typically obtain such tools without a formal public approval process.

Civil liberties advocates have raised concerns about the technology, with the Mid Missouri Civil Liberties Association arguing that the cameras place citizens under constant surveillance, which they claim is incompatible with a free society.