Why we love to hate Flock

Flock Safety has become a flashpoint in the U.S. over automated license plate readers (ALPRs), with more than 50 agencies or jurisdictions canceling, suspending, rejecting Flock contracts, or deactivating its cameras since the start of 2026. Flock CEO Garrett Langley announced operational changes on August 13, including cutting default data retention from 30 days to seven, requiring case codes for police searches, and making software that flags suspicious searches mandatory. However, privacy advocates warn that rejecting one vendor may only change branding while maintaining broader surveillance systems. The article cites Denver, Colorado, where officials let a contract expire and later approved a $150,000 Axon deal for 50 ALPR cameras, despite opposition from campaigners.