Bernalillo County sheriff cancels one Flock Safety contract
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21 August 2026. [AI first draft. Verify every fact against the source before publishing.]
Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen announced on Thursday that the Sheriff's Office will cancel at least one of its three Flock Safety contracts. Allen, who met with company representatives in Georgia earlier in the week, indicated he is evaluating the status of the remaining two contracts. The decision comes as questions persist about the license plate-reading camera technology's ability to track vehicle movements and retain driver information.
The announcement reflects broader scrutiny of automated license plate reader systems. Flock Safety announced it will implement new privacy policies effective January 1, following concerns raised about data retention and tracking capabilities. The timing of the Bernalillo County decision suggests local leadership is responding to these privacy policy discussions and the ongoing public conversation about ALPR technology.
The contract cancellation is significant for transparency and public oversight. Residents can now request records of the three existing Flock Safety contracts from the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office to determine their terms, cost, and coverage areas. The decision also creates an opportunity to track what happens with the two remaining contracts, which Allen said he was still evaluating. Residents interested in ALPR use in their own jurisdictions should check local law enforcement agency websites and county commission meeting agendas for contract information and review dates.
Read the original reporting: KOB 4.