Independence rejects Flock camera contract after public opposition
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23 August 2026. [AI first draft. Verify every fact against the source before publishing.]
The City of Independence held a packed public meeting in August 2026 to discuss a proposed Flock Safety contract for automated license plate reader cameras. Residents overwhelmingly voiced opposition to the technology, citing privacy violations and potential for abuse. Police Chief Brian Ferayorni and a Flock company representative defended the system, noting it lacks facial recognition and audio recording capabilities and that officer access is subject to checks and balances. No formal vote was taken at the meeting, though council members signaled alignment with resident preferences against proceeding.
The opposition in Independence reflects broader concerns across Northern Kentucky about ALPR technology. Fort Mitchell previously terminated its Flock contract after residents raised similar surveillance and privacy objections. Some Independence residents drew connections between license plate data collection and federal agency access, questioning local control over gathered information. Others pointed to litigation in other jurisdictions, with one resident noting 17 lawsuits filed against the technology in different cities [verify: litigation count and jurisdictions].
This matter is significant for public records because it affects what information municipalities collect about residents' movements and which agencies can access such records. Independence residents can now request council meeting minutes and any communications between city leadership and Flock Safety regarding contract negotiations. Residents in other Northern Kentucky municipalities should review their own city council agendas and records requests to determine whether ALPR contracts exist or are under consideration, and if so, under what terms and data-sharing agreements.
Read the original reporting: The Lexington Times.