Massachusetts cities move to discontinue Flock camera systems

The cities of Quincy and Plymouth in Massachusetts are transitioning away from Flock Safety automated license plate reader systems following resident concerns regarding privacy and data security.

In Quincy, Mayor Tom Koch and Police Chief Mark Kennedy announced the deactivation of 50 Flock cameras. The city will switch to a system using Axis Communications hardware paired with OdinEye software. Officials stated the new system will allow the Quincy Police Department to maintain sole ownership of its data, and the existing policy of deleting all data within 14 days will remain in effect.

In Plymouth, the City Council previously voted to terminate its contract with Flock Safety. While the Plymouth Police Department reported that it physically disconnected the cameras on October 9, some units remain visible near highways, streets, and parking lots. The city indicated that Flock has acknowledged the contract termination and is processing the equipment removal, though a specific date for physical removal has not been set.