Flock Safety wins contract renewal with Pekin for license plate reading cameras

25 August 2026.

Pekin's City Council voted 6-1 on August 25, 2026, to renew the municipality's annual contract with Flock Safety for 54 license plate reading cameras. Council member Rick Hilst cast the sole dissenting vote, citing concerns that the full contract terms were not included in the council's meeting materials.

The Pekin Police Department reported that the contract terms have remained unchanged during the three years the cameras have been in operation. Police leadership expressed strong support for renewal. An hour of public comment preceded the vote, with community members raising questions about system oversight and potential misuse. Resident Greg Hansen stated that while law enforcement benefits may exist, oversight gaps remain unresolved.

Concerns raised during the meeting included allegations of nonstandard search codes and frequent database queries. Police Chief Seth Ranney responded that the codes represent standard police shorthand and that frequent searches have plausible explanations, such as investigations into organized crime. Several council members indicated they had received communications from residents supporting or neutral on the cameras. Council member John Abel emphasized that potential downsides do not outweigh the system's utility.

The $163,000 contract is funded through a multi-year state grant designated for preventing carjackings and vehicle thefts, with the city budgeting $173,900 to cover the cost. The city's finance department has already received the grant funds. A previous council meeting on August 10 had delayed action after audience members raised concerns about surveillance technology.

Readers can check whether their own city council has conducted public review of automatic license plate reader contracts and what accountability measures have been established.

Read the original reporting: 25newsnow.com.