Michigan law enforcement faces scrutiny over Flock camera usage

Law enforcement agencies in Michigan are facing scrutiny regarding the use of Flock automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology. An analysis of audit logs revealed that over 120 searches were conducted by 12 Michigan agencies using keywords such as ‘immigration’ or ‘ICE’ since January 2025.

Five agencies—Oakland, Taylor, Southfield, Troy, and Brownstown Township—confirmed that officers conducted immigration-related searches. In Oakland County, a former deputy is under investigation for allegedly making dozens of unauthorized searches after his employment ended. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office stated such queries violate policy, which limits system use to locating criminal suspects, missing persons, or vehicles on ‘hot lists.’

In a separate development, the Marshfield Police Department in Wisconsin announced it does not plan to pursue funding for Flock or similar ALPR systems. Police Chief Jody Geurink cited a better understanding of the downsides associated with the technology as a reason for removing the approximately $10,000 funding request from the proposed 2027 budget.