US municipalities accelerate termination of Flock Safety contracts
A record number of American cities and counties ended contracts with surveillance firm Flock Safety in August, citing privacy, cost and misuse concerns, while the company reports new partnerships outpacing cancellations.
New data compiled by the Oakland-based advocacy group Secure Justice shows that 93 U.S. cities and counties terminated contracts with Flock Safety in August, a fourfold increase over the previous month and an average of three terminations per day. The group has recorded 214 cancellations since 2021, reflecting growing unease over the company's AI-driven surveillance cameras.
"Looking at that image, it’s gone parabolic!" said Brian Hofer, executive director of Secure Justice, noting that the pace of cancellations could translate into significant financial impact if it continues.
Officials and advocacy groups have raised concerns about data retention, potential abuse of the technology by law enforcement, and high costs. After criticism, Flock CEO Garrett Langley announced a reduction in default data retention from 30 days to seven and updates to terms of use that prohibit misuse such as stalking or harassment.
"So far in 2026, new city partnerships have outpaced nonrenewals by approximately 10 to one," said Courtney Terlecki, a spokesperson for Flock Safety, adding that the company claims its products are used by over 5,000 communities.
The scrutiny has attracted bipartisan attention. Senator Josh Hawley announced an investigation into Flock's data practices, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the cameras as "out of control" after two officers were arrested for misuse. Legal scholars and privacy advocates have warned that the integration of AI with license-plate readers could create a broader surveillance network.
Secure Justice continues to monitor the trend, noting that the rapid rise in contract terminations may signal a shift in how local governments evaluate automated surveillance tools.