Wilmington Police Provide Update On Flock Cameras

WILMINGTON, MA — The Wilmington Police Department said it is terminating its contract with Flock Safety.

The move comes amid nationwide backlash against the company's automated license plate readers due to privacy concerns.

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Police released the following statement:

The Wilmington Police Department, in recognition of privacy concerns expressed in our community, is terminating its contract with Flock Safety and will remove both existing cameras as soon as possible.

One camera has been located at Middlesex Avenue and Federal Street since March 2023, and another has been located at Main Street and Bridge Lane since June 2024.

Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) cameras have been instrumental in investigations and beneficial to our Department. However, at this moment, the community's privacy concerns and questions about the way Flock Security uses data outweigh the continued use of its equipment.

The Department anticipates getting a $2,500 refund from Flock Safety since the department is terminating its contract earlier than its Feb. 27, 2027 expiration date, and the company has acknowledged that such a refund is available.

Should the Department consider use of ALPRs in the future, the community will be notified in advance and public input will guide any final decision