Bloomington Ends Contract with Flock Safety Cameras

City cites need to balance public safety and privacy concerns in decision not to renew license plate reader deal.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:53am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a license plate reader camera lens against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the debate over the use of surveillance technology by law enforcement.Bloomington's decision to end its contract with Flock Safety exposes the ongoing tensions between public safety and privacy rights in the use of surveillance technology.Bloomington Today

The City of Bloomington, Indiana has decided not to renew its contract with Flock Safety, a company that provides license plate reader cameras and data-sharing services to law enforcement. The decision came after a months-long evaluation by the Bloomington Police Department and city officials, who cited the need to balance public safety needs with privacy protections, transparency, and public trust.

Why it matters

Bloomington's move away from Flock cameras reflects a growing debate over the use of surveillance technology by law enforcement and local governments. While such tools can aid in criminal investigations, there are concerns about privacy rights, data collection, and the potential for misuse. The decision highlights the challenge of finding the right approach to public safety that addresses both community needs and civil liberties.

The details

According to the city's release, Bloomington's contract with Flock Safety expired on March 5, and after consulting with legal counsel, community partners, and Flock representatives, the city decided not to renew the deal. The Bloomington Police Department had previously used 11 permanently mounted Flock license plate readers, 4 permanently mounted cameras, and 4 mobile trailer systems. Going forward, the city says Flock data will only be visible to sworn BPD officers and analysts, and the department will stop sharing data with other agencies. Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson stated that the review made clear that if such technology is used, it must be under 'narrow parameters, strong accountability, and clear public safeguards.'

  • Bloomington's contract with Flock Safety expired on March 5, 2026.
  • The Bloomington Common Council had previously passed a resolution demanding more oversight of the city's use of Flock cameras, prompting the police department's review.
  • The Bloomington Common Council will be presented with a report on the Flock camera usage and the city's decision during an April 22, 2026 meeting.

The players

Bloomington Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that used Flock Safety's license plate reader cameras and technology.

Bloomington Common Council

The city's legislative body that passed a resolution demanding more oversight of the Flock camera program, leading to the review and decision not to renew the contract.

Kerry Thomson

The mayor of Bloomington, who stated that the review made clear the need for strong accountability and public safeguards if such surveillance technology is used.

Michael Diekhoff

The Bloomington Police Chief, who said the goal is to support good police work with tools that are 'effective, carefully governed, and understood by the public.'

Flock Safety

The company that provides license plate reader cameras and data-sharing services to law enforcement agencies, including the Bloomington Police Department.

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What they’re saying

“We take civil liberties seriously. We take public safety seriously. Those are shared obligations of good government. This review made clear that, if this tool is used, it must be used under narrow parameters, strong accountability, and clear public safeguards. We are continuing to evaluate whether other options may better serve the community.”

— Kerry Thomson, Mayor of Bloomington

“Everyone in Bloomington deserves to be safe and to feel safe. The goal is to support good police work with tools that are effective, carefully governed, and understood by the public. As Bloomington moves away from Flock, it is important that we do so responsibly and without creating avoidable gaps in public safety.”

— Michael Diekhoff, Bloomington Police Chief

What’s next

The Bloomington Common Council will discuss the Flock camera review and the city's decision not to renew the contract during its April 22, 2026 meeting.

The takeaway

Bloomington's decision to end its contract with Flock Safety highlights the ongoing tension between public safety needs and civil liberties concerns when it comes to the use of surveillance technology by law enforcement. The city's move reflects a growing trend of municipalities reevaluating the use of such tools and seeking a balanced approach that protects both community security and individual privacy.