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From Milwaukee County Bans Automated License Plate Readers from Parks

How could Milwaukee County's ban on ALPRs affect Flock Safety's revenue?

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

Flock Safety may face reduced revenue after Milwaukee County bans its cameras The ban on automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in Milwaukee County parks means that Milwaukee County will not fund Flock Safety's camera services in its parks moving forward. This decision was formalized when County Executive David Crowley signed the legislation. The county's proposed 2027 budget will not include funding for Flock cameras or any other type of ALPR service, directly impacting the vendor's revenue stream from this major customer. This move aligns with other counties, such as Racine and Fond du Lac, which have recently ended their contracts with Flock due to data sharing concerns.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written Oct 17
Effect
Mild negative
How direct
Stated in the reporting
When
Within weeks
The story
Gone quiet

How it reaches Flock Safety

Reported by news outlets

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The facts so far

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

  • Milwaukee County leaders officially banned Flock cameras and automated license plate readers from county parks.cbs58.com
  • Parks workers placed bags over the 42 Flock cameras in county parks.cbs58.com
  • Crowley's proposed 2027 budget will not include funding for Flock cameras or any other type of ALPR service.cbs58.com
  • Racine, Fond du Lac, Jefferson and Sheboygan counties have ended their contracts with Flock.cbs58.com

Why it matters

The use of ALPR technology presents a conflict between public safety and privacy. While the Milwaukee Police Department has previously credited Flock cameras with helping investigators find Maxwell Anderson, the man convicted of killing and dismembering Sade Robinson, county officials do not see the same value. The ban reflects a growing trend among elected bodies in Wisconsin to prioritize privacy concerns and data sharing issues over the technology's crime-fighting potential.

This decision places Flock Safety at risk of losing major contracts, especially as other counties in the region have followed suit. The company's reliance on partnerships with vendors is questioned by county leaders, who stated that even the strongest policy framework is only as trustworthy as the company behind the technology.

What we don't know yet

  • Will the Milwaukee Police Department's push to renew its contract with Flock override the county's ban?
  • Will the county pursue legal action against Flock Safety regarding the data sharing concerns?

What would change this answer

The Milwaukee Police Department renews its contract with Flock SafetyThis would mitigate the financial impact of the county ban, as the city's use of the technology would continue.
A legal challenge is mounted against the county's banThis could delay the cessation of the service, potentially allowing Flock Safety to maintain some operational presence.

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Questions worth asking

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  • About Ozaukee County

    Given the trend of counties ending contracts over data sharing, has Ozaukee County made any public statements regarding its use of ALPR technology?

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The full eventMilwaukee County Bans Automated License Plate Readers from Parks Everything aboutFlock Safety

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.