Municipalities: Beware of Changes in Flock’s Legal Terms if You’re Using or Considering License Plate Readers

April 16, 2026 - 20:14

Recent, sweeping changes to the standard legal terms governing Flock Safety's automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems have raised significant concerns among municipal governments currently using or considering the technology. The updated terms appear to substantially shift power and liability away from the company and onto its public sector customers.

Key alterations in the service agreements reportedly include stringent new limitations on Flock's liability, even in cases of data breaches or system failures. Furthermore, municipalities are expressing alarm over clauses that could restrict their ability to publicly critique the company's services or share unfavorable audit results. Legal experts reviewing the documents suggest the terms may hinder a city's capacity to independently verify the accuracy and fairness of the surveillance systems they deploy.

For many towns and cities, Flock's cameras have become a cornerstone of modern policing strategies, used to investigate crimes ranging from thefts to homicides. However, these contractual shifts are forcing local officials to re-evaluate their partnerships. The changes underscore the complex bargaining position municipalities face when adopting powerful, proprietary surveillance tools from a single vendor. Several city attorneys are now conducting urgent reviews to understand the long-term implications for municipal liability, data security, and operational control, with some considering their legal options in response to the unilateral amendments.