Cleveland Weighs Ending Flock Safety Contract Amid Surveillance Concerns

City pauses expansion of license plate readers and gunshot detection as grassroots group pushes for contract termination

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:55am

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Cleveland officials have paused plans to expand Flock Safety's license plate readers and gunshot detection technology across the city, as a grassroots group called 'flockno' presses the city to end its contract with the surveillance company altogether. With Flock's current deal expiring in June and ShotSpotter ending even sooner, residents could soon see major changes in how police use surveillance tools on Cleveland's streets and in CMSD parking lots.

Why it matters

The debate over Flock Safety's technology highlights growing concerns among Cleveland residents about the use of surveillance tools and their impact on privacy and civil liberties. As cities across the country grapple with the role of license plate readers and gunshot detection, Cleveland's decision could set an important precedent for how municipalities approach these emerging technologies.

The details

The grassroots group 'flockno' has been pushing Cleveland officials to terminate the city's contract with Flock Safety, which provides license plate readers and gunshot detection services. In response, the city has paused plans to expand the Flock system while it reviews the program. Flock's current deal is set to expire in June, and the city's ShotSpotter contract will end even sooner, leaving Cleveland at a crossroads on the future of these surveillance tools.

  • Flock Safety's current contract with Cleveland expires in June 2026.
  • The city's ShotSpotter contract is set to end even earlier than the Flock deal.

The players

Flock Safety

A technology company that provides license plate readers and gunshot detection services to law enforcement agencies across the country.

flockno

A grassroots group in Cleveland that has been pressing the city to terminate its contract with Flock Safety and end the use of the company's surveillance technologies.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.