Statement on the Flock Safety ALPR Contract Termination

The Police Department, Law Department, IT Department, and City Manager’s Office have had many meetings, internally and with Flock Safety, to discuss City Council and community concerns raised with the previously approved deployment of Flock’s automatic license plate readers (ALPRs), as well as data privacy and security, and the importance of ensuring Cambridge remains a welcoming and safe city for all of our residents.  

At a point in time when the collaboration between local governments and federal law enforcement has been severely strained, the City recognizes and appreciates the significance of these concerns.  

In late October 2025, 16 Flock ALPRs that were deployed in the community were deactivated and removed by the City. However, concerns about Flock were substantiated when they notified the City that two cameras were installed by their technicians in late November -- without the City’s awareness -- following an outstanding work order that should have been canceled when the City originally deactivated the cameras and account. Due to this material breach of our trust and the agreement, the City is terminating its contract with Flock Safety. The two cameras have also been removed.   

Moving ahead, the City plans to conduct a thorough evaluation of ALPRs in Cambridge and looks forward to re-engaging with the City Council and broader community about this technology.