Sheboygan Police look to eliminate use of Flock Cameras, joining growing list of other departments

The City of Sheboygan could be one of the next jurisdictions to end its relationship with Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras.

Police Chief Kurt Zempel and City Administrator Casey Bradley are asking the Sheboygan Common Council to terminate the city’s contract with Flock Safety at its September 8th meeting.

The Sheboygan Police Department says it recently became aware of actions by Flock Safety that it believes are inconsistent with the terms and expectations of the city’s contract. Officials say those actions have undermined trust in the services provided, although the city has not publicly specified what those actions were.

Sheboygan has used automated license plate reader technology for more than a decade, and 15 Flock cameras have been operating throughout the city since early 2024.

Police say the cameras have been valuable in solving serious crimes, including helping investigators identify violent offenders and recover stolen vehicles and other property.

But Chief Zempel says that while modern technology remains an important tool for public safety, strong internal controls and community trust are essential when sensitive information is involved.

Starting this week, city staff will cover the 15 Flock cameras, effectively preventing them from collecting vehicle and license plate data while officials work through the termination process.

Zempel says any replacement system will be thoroughly reviewed, with elected officials and the community involved in addressing privacy, civil rights and transparency concerns.

The request to end the Flock contract will go before the Sheboygan Common Council on September 8th.