Fort Wayne rejects $120,250 Flock camera maintenance contract

26 August 2026.

Fort Wayne City Council voted unanimously on August 26 to reject a $120,250 maintenance contract for the Fort Wayne Police Department's Flock Safety automatic license-plate reader system. The council decision followed significant resident opposition, with members reporting numerous emails, phone calls, and in-person complaints about the technology. Council members expressed concern that existing safeguards inadequately protect residents from unnecessary monitoring and surveillance. The council considered amendments to address data retention, storage, and sharing practices but determined that additional oversight mechanisms were required before proceeding. Several officials recommended delaying further action until state or federal standards for license-plate reader data become clearer. The Fort Wayne Police Department has characterized the technology as a valuable investigative tool for solving crimes, recovering stolen vehicles, and locating missing people, and has stated it can be deployed responsibly with appropriate transparency and oversight. The department declined to disclose the current number of cameras operating on Fort Wayne streets. Council members indicated that the department's continued expansion of the camera network during ongoing privacy discussions influenced their decision. The council stated it plans to continue developing local rules governing license-plate readers and other monitoring systems. Because the contract exceeded $100,000, council approval was required; it remains unclear whether the department might continue operating the system through a smaller expenditure that would not require council action. Residents and officials in your community can check whether your local police department has an ALPR contract and what conditions, if any, your city council has established for its use.

Read the original reporting: InkFreeNews.com.