The list of developments was last updated on Sept. 17, 2026.
Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) are AI-powered cameras that capture and analyze images of all passing vehicles. These cameras store and collect data on vehicles whether there was a crime committed or not. Flock Safety is a fast-growing ALPR company whose public safety and mass surveillance systems have become ubiquitous with ALPRs.
As a growing number of stories of agencies abusing their privileges with the cameras emerge, the push for regulation is rising across Michigan. Here’s what you need to know to say “Flock off” to this mass surveillance in Michigan.
Flock in Michigan
As of Aug. 12, 2026, more than 180 law enforcement agencies in Michigan, nearly a third of all agencies in the state, now use Flock Safety technology, according to data compiled by the company.
A growing number of Michiganders are pushing for regulation as stories of agencies abusing their privileges with the cameras arise—including federal agencies like ICE. Reporting by 404 Media has found local police nationwide running searches on behalf of federal immigration agents.
Earlier this year, Michigan Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr. (D-Ypsilanti) and Rep. Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby Township) introduced a bipartisan set of bills, House Bill 5492 and House Bill 5493, that would create clear limits on how data is collected, stored, and shared by ALPR cameras for private companies and government entities. The bills have yet to be introduced on the House floor.
How to take action
Stay informed on the latest developments:
- Eastpointe ends Flock Safety contract after employees misused license plate reader system | Published Sept. 16, 2026
- Frenchtown Township votes to end Flock camera agreement | Published Sept. 16, 2026
- South Lyon City Council directs staff to examine impacts of canceling Flock contract | Published Sept. 16, 2026
- Bedford Township votes to cancel contract with Flock cameras – CBS Detroit | Published Sept. 14, 2026
- Independence Township ending contract with Flock after residents’ concerns and to cut costs | Published Sept. 14, 2026
- Jackson approves federal grant to fund Flock license plate readers amid privacy debate | Published Sept. 10, 2026
- Grand Rapids police open Flock camera searches to public view | Published Sept. 9, 2026
Know if Flock is in your community:
Click here to learn where Flock cameras are in your community. While Flock is the leading ALPR technology, it is not the only one. ALPR systems from companies like Motorola Solutions and Axon are also commonly used.
Contact lawmakers:
- Sign the petition: Tell Congress to ban Flock’s camera network and protect our privacy rights with Demand Progress.
- Call Congress: Ban Flock mass surveillance cameras with Demand Progress
- Write your state lawmakers: Support Michigan HB 5492 and 5493 to establish guardrails for the use of ALPRs in Michigan with ACLU Michigan.
Attend your local municipal meetings:
Your community may be discussing surveillance tech like Flock cameras, facial recognition, or ALPRs. Your voice can make a difference.
Over the past year, officials in Menominee, Bay City, Ferndale, areas of Metro Detroit, and other communities across the state have voted to terminate contracts with Flock after residents raised concerns about the company’s cameras.
To find your local city council or commission meeting in Michigan, check your specific municipality’s official website.
Vote: The regulation of ALPRs is decided by local, state, and federal lawmakers.
Need help getting ready to vote? Use the voter tool below to see what’s on your ballot, find your polling place, and find answers to your voting questions. Plus, set reminders for future elections and share key voting details with your friends and family.
