Lansing council votes Monday on ending Flock camera contracts
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21 August 2026. [AI first draft. Verify every fact against the source before publishing.]
Lansing City Council is scheduled to vote Monday evening on a resolution that would terminate the city's contracts with Flock Safety for automated license plate reader cameras. First Ward Council Member Ryan Kost submitted the proposal Thursday, calling on the city administration and police department to end all existing agreements with the company. Kost stated the technology grants excessive power without adequate safeguards. Ward 2 Council Member Deyanira Nevarez Martinez has indicated support, though Kost acknowledged he may face opposition from other council members.
Flock Safety operates license plate reader cameras that capture vehicle information and convert it into searchable databases for investigative purposes. The technology has drawn scrutiny over data storage practices, access controls, and the ability to track vehicle movements and associations across camera networks. Kost's resolution notes that artificial intelligence and data analysis capabilities have expanded beyond the original function of identifying stolen vehicles.
The resolution includes a second component requesting that Lansing refrain from adopting similar AI-assisted license plate reader systems until the city completes public engagement, conducts a privacy impact assessment, and establishes policies governing data collection, retention, sharing, auditing, and oversight. The proposal emerges after months of local community opposition, with activist group Deflock Lansing organizing public information sessions and encouraging residents to attend the council meeting. The vote is scheduled for Monday, August 24 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.
Residents in other jurisdictions can check their own city council agendas and records for similar technology contracts, renewal dates, and privacy policies governing ALPR systems.
Read the original reporting: WKAR Public Media.