Amid ‘mass proliferation,’ Flock cameras emerge as key issue in Michigan election

September 8, 2026

Michigan political candidates are increasingly calling for regulations on automated license plate reader cameras, particularly those operated by Flock Safety, which has contracts with at least 125 local government agencies statewide. Privacy advocates and residents express concern that these roadside cameras, which photograph every passing vehicle, infringe on privacy rights and enable widespread surveillance without adequate transparency about data storage, access, and sharing. While law enforcement agencies praise the technology for helping solve crimes and locate missing persons, critics point to reports of data being used for immigration enforcement and abortion-related searches through local police performing lookups for federal partners.

Who is affected

Michigan residents who drive past Flock cameras
At least 125 Michigan local government agencies with Flock contracts
Law enforcement agencies using license plate readers
Missing persons and crime victims whose cases involve the technology
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies accessing data through local police
People seeking abortions whose movements may be tracked
Privacy advocates and concerned community members attending town halls and city meetings
Michigan Sheriffs' Association and other law enforcement organizations
Flock Safety company

What action is being taken

Heated debates over license plate readers are erupting in town halls and city meetings across Michigan
Some communities are exploring alternative license plate reader technologies or rejecting cameras outright
Many communities are approving new contracts or renewing existing Flock contracts
Flock Safety is implementing new safeguards including requirements for criminal case numbers on searches, automatic reviews of abnormal search activity, and a seven-day default data retention period
Local and state police are performing searches for federal partners including ICE

Why it matters

This issue represents a fundamental tension between public safety and privacy rights, as the cameras create 24/7 surveillance of drivers—the vast majority of whom will never be charged with crimes. The technology operates without consistent statewide oversight, creating what lawmakers describe as "the wild, wild west" with varying practices across municipalities regarding data retention, access, and sharing. The significance escalated dramatically after reports emerged showing data was being used for immigration enforcement and tracking people seeking abortions, raising concerns about government overreach. Without clear regulations, Michigan residents lack basic transparency about what happens to their data, who can access it, and how long it's retained, making this a critical issue for constitutional privacy rights and government accountability.

What's next

Democratic nominee Jocelyn Benson promises to work with the Legislature to approve clear statewide rules for camera usage, data access, sharing protocols, and deletion requirements
Legislation is pending in both the state House and Senate to implement statewide regulation with a proposed 14-day data retention limit and restrictions limiting license plate reader use to specific law enforcement actions
Senator Jim Runestad has called for stakeholder meetings to determine best practices and necessary modifications, though he expresses doubt that legislative leaders will act before year's end

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com