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From Milwaukee County Bans Automated License Plate Readers from Parks

How could the ban on ALPRs in county parks affect the Milwaukee Police Department?

Possible What happens if… A possibility worth considering, not a forecast.

MPD's ability to use Flock cameras in county parks may be restricted by new legislation. The legislation signed by County Executive David Crowley bans the use of Flock cameras and automated license plate readers from county parks in Milwaukee County. This directly restricts the operational use of this technology in those specific locations. While the Milwaukee Police Department intends to renew its contract with Flock, the county-level ban on county parks could limit the MPD's ability to collect data in those areas.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written Oct 17
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How it reaches Milwaukee Police Department

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The facts so far

As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.

  • County Executive David Crowley signed legislation banning Flock cameras and automated license plate readers from county parks.cbs58.com
  • The county board voted unanimously to ban plate readers from parks.cbs58.com
  • MPD officials confirmed they intend to renew their contract with Flock.cbs58.com
  • MPD has previously credited Flock cameras with helping investigators find Maxwell Anderson.cbs58.com

Why it matters

The Milwaukee Police Department relies on Flock cameras, which they have credited with aiding high-profile investigations, as a valuable crime-fighting tool. The ban, while specific to county parks, represents a significant policy shift by county leadership regarding the use of surveillance technology.

This decision follows similar actions in Racine, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, and Sheboygan counties, where elected bodies ended contracts with Flock due to data sharing concerns, highlighting a broader trend of local governments restricting the technology.

What we don't know yet

  • Will the ban apply to MPD operations outside of county parks?
  • Will MPD be able to negotiate exceptions to the ban for specific investigative needs?

What would change this answer

MPD successfully negotiates an exemption for county parksThe operational restriction on the MPD's use of Flock cameras in those areas would fade.
The county expands the ban to all county-operated landThe restriction on the MPD's ability to use the technology would become stronger and broader.

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  • About Ozaukee County

    Given the trend of local governments restricting Flock cameras, has Ozaukee County considered similar bans on ALPR use in its parks?

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The full eventMilwaukee County Bans Automated License Plate Readers from Parks Everything aboutMilwaukee Police Department

Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.