Flock/ALPR license plate cameras
Summary
Roughly a dozen residents demanded the Flock camera system be suspended, canceled, or put to a referendum, citing a ~48% hotlist hit rate, privacy concerns, and national reports of Flock data disclosures. The public safety director and mayor countered that the hit rate reflects broad hotlist settings (mostly paperwork violations), drops below 1% when filtered for serious crimes, and that Franklin owns its data. The mayor said no final decision has been made and has asked the Attorney General to require shorter retention and more frequent audits.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
Residents cited nearly $400,000 in committed Flock costs plus over $100,000 a year, though officials said the system was funded by a state grant.
Police investigations — officials say the cameras are a tool that helps solve crimes faster.
Opponents say every driver passing a camera is surveilled without consent, raising Fourth Amendment and data-sharing concerns.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Keeping An Eye On Flock: Danielsen Proposes Warrant Requirement For License Plate Reader Searches As Flock Controversy Grows
State Assemblyman Joe Danielsen, a township resident, has introduced legislation that would require police to obtain warrants before using automated license plate reader information to track vehicles identified at multiple locations, as communities a...
Franklin Township Council Work Session/Regular Meeting - Oct 27, 2026
The mayor detailed six September cases where Flock helped solve crimes and find missing people, then confirmed the council will keep the existing system but not expand it. A new ad hoc team will issue faster public answers and FAQs.
Franklin Township Council Work Session/Regular Meeting - Sep 8, 2026
Roughly a dozen residents demanded the Flock camera system be suspended, canceled, or put to a referendum, citing a ~48% hotlist hit rate, privacy concerns, and national reports of Flock data disclosures. The public safety director and mayor countered that the hit rate reflects broad hotlist settings (mostly paperwork violations), drops below 1% when filtered for serious crimes, and that Franklin owns its data. The mayor said no final decision has been made and has asked the Attorney General to require shorter retention and more frequent audits.
Franklin Township Council Work Session/Regular Meeting - Aug 11, 2026
Residents filled chambers to question the township's 22 license plate cameras — data retention, contract terms, camera placement and lack of public notice. Officials defended the system, funded by a $339,000 state grant, and promised written follow-up on unanswered questions. No vote was taken.
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