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Cities across the United States (Including Bend, Oregonwhere I live) They are canceling Flock Safety monitoring contracts. These systems use AI-powered cameras to read license plates, identify vehicle details, track people, and even deploy drones over neighborhoods.
But some cities Like Dayton, Ohio, I ran into a problem on Wednesday: How can they make sure the cameras stay offline while they negotiate their end of the contract? In these cases, they resort to the humble black trash bag.
Local governments in both Dayton and Evanston, Illinois, covered Flock’s automatic license plate reader cameras with garbage bags after deciding to end their contracts, but before removing the cameras.
It’s a low-tech option that prevents outside agencies from accessing the footage. The move highlights ongoing concerns about the reliability of these surveillance systems, as well as the challenges city governments face in controlling how their police departments use them.
Across the United States, residents have called for the removal of Flock cameras following reports that data is being shared with federal agencies such as ICE, as well as concerns that local police are using the systems to track individuals. Including in personal conflicts.
The technology can also identify people based on physical features or clothing and allow officers to inspect their movements and routines, which critics have criticized. Including Oregon Senator Ron Wydenfor example makes abuse almost inevitable. Some reports have also raised concerns about installing cameras in sensitive areas, such as swimming pools and public places Gymnastics facilities for children.
You can read more about these issues In my guide to monitoring herd health here.
Local opposition to the herd
Dayton’s problems began after an audit found its 72 cameras were implicated “Egregious” data-sharing violationsincluding 7,100 searches registered for immigration-related reasons. Police departments are not always required to record the reason for herd inspections.
Dayton responded by suspending Flock, conducting a full audit and covering up the cameras. The Dayton Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and other regional agencies declined Dayton Daily News’ public records requests for audit and related records regarding the use and sharing of Flock camera data. Officials say the records are exempt, but the newspaper disputes that.
The city of Evanston, meanwhile Flock was ordered to remove its 19 cameras in 2025. City officials later discovered that only some of the cameras had been removed, and that the cameras had been reinstalled days later without apparent authorization, leading to a cease and desist letter. In response, the City Council moved to shut down the system entirely to avoid further problems, costs or potential legal exposure.
Not everyone turned against Fluke. In Bandera, Texas, a city of 900 located about 50 miles northwest of San Antonio, a city council member was so frustrated after the city canceled its contract with the herd that he put out an ad. Ban cell phones and the Internet.
Representatives for Flock Safety and the cities of Dayton and Evanston did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Worried about nearby Flock cameras?
The United States is not the only country suffering from these issues. This automatic traffic camera was also placed in France as part of the protest.
Herd cameras can be deployed by cities or private neighborhood groups. In practice, oversight and oversight can vary, and local governments may not always fully govern how systems are used,
Herd surveillance cameras can often be identified by a solar panel mounted on top. If you see them in your area, it may be worth checking local news and contacting city officials to understand how the systems are being used. You can also attend public meetings to ask questions about surveillance programs, and in many jurisdictions, you can request records or audits under public records laws.
It’s a good idea to understand State and local laws Regarding cameras and surveillance systems, rules vary greatly by jurisdiction. Implementation and compliance may also vary in practice, sometimes resulting in public complaints, legal challenges, or other forms of civic engagement. Residing in Boulder, Coloradofiled a lawsuit challenging the use of Flock cameras in their community.
You can also participate in groups such as Painting privacy projectand contact your elected officials to support legislation that would regulate or restrict surveillance camera systems.
It’s not always easy to know when Flock systems are in use. Some cities advertise public monitoring programs without naming Flock, even when the underlying contract includes Flock Safety cameras or drones. In other cases, Flock software can be integrated into existing compatible camera systems, meaning new devices may not even appear when the technology is used.
