North Branch pauses Flock camera installation

6 August 2026.

North Branch paused its Flock Safety camera installation program following public opposition expressed through social media and a second informational meeting. Mayor Kevin Schieber recommended the pause after the Aug. 6 work session. Three of seven planned cameras had already been installed but were covered with dark plastic bags and not yet recording data.

The city council originally approved the Flock contract on a 3-2 vote during its May 13 meeting. Because the Aug. 6 gathering was a work session rather than an official council meeting, no formal action could be taken that night. The contract will return to the city council agenda at its Aug. 12 meeting for further discussion and possible action.

Schieber stated that if the full council votes to indefinitely pause the camera installations, the three already-installed units will be removed. The decision reflects the council's receptiveness to constituent concerns about the program. Residents in other communities may check whether their local governments have considered similar camera deployments or hold meetings to discuss public safety technology contracts.

Read the original reporting: isanti-chisagocountystar.com.