Brownsburg resident questions town’s 16 Flock cameras
By dontflock_editor ยท Updated 2 Aug 2026
1 August 2026.
During a Brownsburg Town Council meeting on July 23, 2026, resident Derek Fudge raised concerns about the town's deployment of Flock Safety license plate-reading cameras, questioning their purpose, placement, funding, and privacy implications. Fudge noted that many residents were unaware the cameras were operating and expressed worry that the systems could collect vehicle details, facial images, and audio beyond license plate information. He also questioned why cameras were positioned along major roads and near commercial areas rather than in locations where crimes more frequently occur.
Police Chief Joe Grimes defended the technology as a limited investigative tool. He clarified that Brownsburg operates 16 cameras, not the 34 Fudge referenced, and disputed claims that the devices capture faces or sound. Grimes stated the cameras photograph only vehicle rears and license plates, with data retained for 30 days. He explained that officers do not continuously monitor the cameras but may receive alerts when vehicles match state or national law enforcement databases as stolen. Grimes said cameras were positioned along major thoroughfares and near business districts because many offenders travel into Brownsburg from other communities, allowing police to capture vehicles entering or leaving town.
Grimes attributed several investigations to camera data, including a homicide solved within 24 hours and assistance with armed robberies and vehicle recovery cases. He noted the cameras were initially funded through forfeiture funds and are now supported by county-distributed funds. The town operates under a five-year contract believed to have begun in 2023. Grimes indicated the department will reassess when the contract ends but intends to continue the program due to its investigative value.
Citizens can request information about their own town's ALPR camera contracts, operational policies, and funding sources through public records requests.
Read the original reporting: InkFreeNews.com.