Flock’s Network Is Losing Value to Cops as More and More of Its Cameras Go Offline

Flock Safety, a company that provides surveillance coverage for law enforcement, is experiencing a rapid decline in its network due to vandalism and backlash from citizens. This decline has significant consequences for the company and its customers in law enforcement. In McFarland, Wisconsin, a contract for six ALPRs from Flock was terminated after the loss of 24 county-level cameras.

The cancellation was attributed to both local resentment and the decision by McFarland's home county to end its relationship with Flock. This loss affected over 140 law enforcement agencies connected to the county's network. McFarland's police chief, Brian Redman, stated that the loss of the network significantly reduced the potential camera coverage within the county, making it difficult to justify the return on investment.

As a result, McFarland and other towns in Wisconsin, including Monona and Fitchburg, have canceled their Flock contracts. While there are numerous ALPR companies in the United States, Flock's primary advantage was its ability to allow police access to cameras owned by other entities, such as private businesses, HOAs, and different law enforcement agencies, even across state lines.

However, as the domino effect continues in Wisconsin, Flock's ALPRs become less attractive to police due to the inability to connect them into a wide-reaching network of warrantless surveillance.