On Tuesday, the Kosciusko County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to terminate the county’s contract with technology provider Flock, ending the agreement two years early. The decision follows a series of actions taken earlier this month to pause funding for the county’s automated license‑plate reader system.
Prosecutor’s order prompts action
County Prosecutor Brad Voelz issued an order directing that routine searches and live tracking of the Flock cameras be stopped. The order was cited by commissioners as a key factor in the decision to end the contract.
Commissioners’ statement
Commission President Robert Conley told local station WNDU that all of the county’s Flock cameras were deactivated on Friday. Most of the units have been removed from their mounting locations and are being stored while the county awaits pickup by Flock representatives.
Background on the program
The Flock system, installed across the county in recent years, uses automated license‑plate readers to capture vehicle information in real time. Supporters argued the technology could aid law‑enforcement investigations, while critics raised concerns about privacy and the scope of data collection.
Local response
Residents and local advocacy groups have expressed mixed reactions. Some community members praised the move as a protection of personal privacy, while others worried about potential impacts on public‑safety capabilities. The county’s decision reflects a growing trend among Indiana jurisdictions to re‑evaluate surveillance tools in light of legal and fiscal considerations.
Next steps
County officials indicated they will continue to explore alternative technologies that balance public‑safety needs with privacy protections. The board plans to review any future contracts for similar systems through a transparent procurement process.
The termination of the Flock contract underscores Kosciusko County’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and respect for individual liberty, aligning with the values of its residents.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
