Flock Safety cameras split: Florida rejects grant, California extends contract

The Leon County Commission in Florida voted on July 14 to reject a federal grant that would have funded the expansion of Flock Safety automated license‑plate reader cameras into neighboring counties. Commissioners cited privacy, surveillance and data‑security concerns, removing the grant from a larger homeland‑security package while approving other requests. They also ordered a review of the county’s authority to regulate or prohibit the cameras.

In California, Merced County’s Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a three‑year extension of its contract with Flock Safety, costing $385,350. County officials argue the system aids investigations, while residents raised objections about cost and the permanent availability of vehicle data. The sheriff’s office says images are retained for up to 30 days and shared only with local agencies. The decision comes as other jurisdictions, such as Los Angeles, have ended similar contracts.