As automatic license plate reader cameras continue spreading across Michigan, questions are mounting over who can access the data they collect and how it’s being used. 

After privacy concerns prompted some communities to ditch the technology, lawmakers are now pushing for rules to limit their use.

Today, The ’Gander’s Lucas Henkel brings us the latest on Flock cameras in the state.

Money Out of Politics petition reaches required signatures (Michigan Advance): A ballot initiative that would ban utilities and government contractors from making campaign contributions cleared a key hurdle after Michigan election officials determined it had enough valid signatures to advance. The Board of State Canvassers must still decide whether the petition language for Money Out of Politics meets legal standards before it can move forward.

Michigan selected for early 2028 primary (WLNS): Michigan will be one of the first states to help choose the Democratic presidential nominee after party leaders voted to keep its 2028 primary in the early calendar. If the full Democratic National Committee approves the plan next month, Michigan’s Democratic primary will be held on Feb. 22, 2028.

Michiganders living near data center say noise is affecting daily life (WXYZ): Residents living near a data center in Dowagiac say constant noise from the facility has disrupted their daily lives. The sound has prompted local officials to pass a noise ordinance and led residents to file a class action lawsuit.

Thousands of Flock cameras, like this one pictured in Lansing, are being used by law enforcement agencies across Michigan to aid their investigations. (Lucas Henkel/The ‘Gander)

By Lucas Henkel

Thousands of law enforcement agencies across the country hold contracts with Flock, an Atlanta-based surveillance company—and Michigan is no exception. 

Over the past year, officials in Menominee, Bay City, Ferndale, and areas of Metro Detroit have voted to terminate contracts with Flock after residents raised concerns about the company’s automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. And as midterm elections get closer, more and more Michiganders are looking to elected officials to develop regulatory frameworks to safeguard their privacy.

In January, Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr. (D-Ypsilanti) and Rep. Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby Township) introduced two bills that would create clear limits on how data is collected, stored, and shared by ALPR cameras for private companies and government entities.

“Michiganders deserve to know that new technology is being used responsibly, not in ways that invade privacy or erode public confidence,” said Rep. Wozniak in a press release, adding that the bills will protect Michiganders while “setting clear, commonsense rules that help maintain trust between law enforcement and the public.” 

Want deeper coverage of Michigan politics? Our free Thursday newsletter, This Week in Michigan Politics, breaks down what’s happening in Lansing and Washington—clearly and without the jargon.

With the midterms approaching, we’ll keep you informed on what could affect your day-to-day life.

Interested?

We just heard from both sides in Lucas’ story over the growing use of Flock cameras in the state.

While most people believe that the privacy issues surrounding their use are reason enough to have them banned, law enforcement authorities bring up their own points over their merits (locating missing people is often one of the most cited).

So, this week I want to know:

Reminder: When responding, include your first name and where you’re from to have your answer included.

Have a question you want me to ask our community? Send it my way. I might feature it in a future edition.

Missed the answers to last week’s question: “What foods are you avoiding during this cyclosporiasis outbreak?” Find them in our Friday newsletter here.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from Lucas Henkel. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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