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The Los Angeles Police Department will allow its three-year agreement with Flock Safety to expire on Saturday, temporarily severing ties with the company that operates a network of automated license plate recognition cameras across the city.

The decision, announced by LAPD officials, comes amid ongoing concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and data handling practices associated with the technology. While the department has praised the cameras' value in criminal investigations, it cited unresolved issues around data privacy and security as the primary reason for not renewing the contract at this time, reported ABC7.

Flock Safety's cameras, installed on roadways throughout Los Angeles, automatically capture images of passing vehicles and their license plates. LAPD has used the system to help track suspects in criminal cases. According to the department, the cameras are regularly audited for compliance, with captured data automatically deleted after seven to 30 days.

However, the technology has sparked divided reactions among residents. Supporters argue it enhances public safety, while critics contend it represents an overreach that infringes on privacy rights. Those concerns ultimately weighed heavily in the department's decision.

"This contract is not being renewed because of serious concerns around civil liberties and civil rights issues, particularly around privacy and the data that is being collected from these cameras," said Dean Gialamas, LAPD's chief information officer. "The LAPD had to make a difficult decision, in this case discontinuing using Flock services until we can get those data, privacy, security and sharing concerns ironed out through a contractual relationship."

Gialamas emphasized that the cameras have been used strictly for law enforcement purposes and not in support of immigration enforcement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

"The use is strictly for law enforcement purposes, and it is inherently not for any immigration purposes," he said. Access to the system requires an active criminal case, with users required to be registered and trained.

It remains unclear whether the cameras — many of which are owned not by the LAPD but by private organizations, homeowners' associations, and other entities that granted police access — will continue operating or recording footage after the contract expires.

LAPD officials said discussions with Flock Safety are ongoing, with the department seeking stronger contractual language on privacy protections, data storage limits, and data-sharing protocols for any potential future agreement.

In a statement, Flock Safety expressed surprise at the decision but reaffirmed its commitment to the partnership.

"Flock's position has been simple: if this technology is going to be used, it should be used with strong privacy protections, strict auditability, and clear oversight," the company said. "While this latest development comes as a surprise, we remain committed to continuing our active and ongoing conversations with LAPD to find a path forward. We are proud of our partnership with LAPD and the results it has achieved for the city."

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