Oakland County, Michigan – In response to growing community concerns about privacy, the Oakland County Parks Department said it will not renew its contract with Flock Safety when it expires later this year. The decision reflects the department’s commitment to listening to residents about what they want – and don’t want – in public spaces.
Contract expiration and community input
Flock cameras, which are automated license‑plate readers owned by Flock Safety, have been installed on several park roads and trails throughout Metro Detroit. They use artificial‑intelligence software to read and record license plates and vehicle details. While the devices are visible on black or gray poles topped with small solar panels, many residents have voiced that the technology feels overly invasive, especially in areas where vehicles are not typically traveling.
“We’re listening to what people are saying about what they want and what they don’t want,” a Parks Department spokesperson said. “When the contract ends, we will reassess how best to balance safety with privacy for our park visitors.”
Sheriff’s Office also steps back from Flock drone program
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, which had been testing a Flock drone pilot called “Project Prove It,” announced it will not pursue a long‑term contract for the drone program. The sheriff’s office released a statement explaining that the pilot was intended to evaluate Flock’s technology as a replacement for an aging drone fleet that is no longer available for purchase.
“While we appreciate the opportunity to evaluate Flock Safety’s technology, we have decided not to pursue a contract with them for our Drone as First Responder program,” the statement read. “We will continue exploring alternative platforms to identify the best solution to support our operations.”
Resident perspective
Local resident Jacob Forsten, who lives in nearby Davison, expressed a mix of curiosity and caution. “To be honest with you, I always think they’re a UFO flying around, but it’s cool technologies advancing, and I mean we got to change with the times a little bit,” he said. “Some of this stuff is scary, but at the same time it has not benefited us in some type of way, right? I don’t think I’m wrong for saying that.”
What this means for park safety
County officials emphasized that ending the Flock contract does not mean a reduction in overall public‑safety efforts. The Parks Department will continue to work with law‑enforcement partners to ensure that parks remain safe, while also exploring less intrusive technologies that respect the privacy of families and visitors.
“Our goal is to protect the community without turning our beloved parks into surveillance zones,” the spokesperson added. “We will keep evaluating tools that help keep our roads safe while honoring the values of our families and faith‑based communities.”
Next steps
The Parks Department plans to hold a public forum later this month to gather further input on future safety measures. Residents are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts on how best to balance security with the freedom to enjoy public spaces without feeling constantly watched.
Meanwhile, the sheriff’s office will issue a request for proposals to identify a new drone platform that meets operational needs without compromising community trust.
Original reporting: Warren | FOX 2 Detroit — read the source article.
