Liberty Hill ends Flock Safety camera contract

10 September 2026. [AI first draft. Verify every fact against the source before publishing.]

Liberty Hill City Council voted 7-0 on September 10, 2026, to terminate its Flock Safety contract and prevent renewal scheduled for October. The motion, introduced by Mayor Pro Tem Diane Williams and seconded by Council Member Tim Hennessy, also directs immediate removal of all cameras under city jurisdiction and prohibits future use of technology for mass surveillance purposes. Mayor Crystal Mancilla called for the vote, which passed with applause from attendees.

The council's action reflects escalating concerns about how automated license plate reader data is collected, stored, and shared. Williams acknowledged potential law enforcement benefits but expressed concern that misuse risks outweigh advantages. The decision follows similar moves by nearby Central Texas communities. Bastrop, Leander, Manor, and Pflugerville have ended or are ending their Flock contracts. Elgin police paused Flock data use pending city official direction. At the state level, the Texas Department of Public Safety stated it will not expand its existing Flock network, and Governor Greg Abbott blocked additional state funding for the technology.

Liberty Hill residents can now request records about the contract termination process, camera removal timelines, and any data retention or destruction procedures. The city's decision creates a public record of how local officials weighed surveillance capabilities against privacy concerns. Residents in other Texas communities can check their own city council agendas and meeting minutes to determine whether similar Flock contracts remain active or are scheduled for renewal.

Read the original reporting: KEYE.