Sharon Ends Flock Safety Contract Over Privacy, Data Concerns

SHARON, MA — Sharon is ending its use of automated license plate reader cameras after less than a year.

The Select Board voted unanimously June 23 not to renew the town’s contract with Flock Safety, citing concerns about privacy, data access and the appropriate use of the technology, according to a town announcement Thursday. The contract began Sept. 12, 2025, and is set to end before Sept. 12, 2026.

Sharon police are working with Flock to ensure the cameras are no longer active or collecting images. The company has begun removing the cameras and related equipment, according to the town.

Town officials said the system had been useful in some investigations, including stolen vehicle recoveries and efforts to develop leads in criminal cases.

Sharon joins several Massachusetts communities that have terminated or suspended agreements with Flock amid concerns about privacy, data storage and access to information collected by the cameras.

In Grafton, all Flock devices were decommissioned Aug. 21 and were no longer capturing images as of Tuesday, Police Chief Neil Minardi. The cameras remained in place while police sought a removal timeline from the company.

Grafton police cited vandalism, theft involving the devices, and growing community concerns as reasons for shutting down the cameras. Other communities that have ended or suspended Flock contracts include Salem, Littleton, Douglas, East Bridgewater, Stow and New Bedford.

See Also:

• Flock Devices In Grafton No Longer Capturing Images, Police Say
• Sharon Police Dog Cleo Graduates Ahead Of School Year