UPDATE (September 1, 2026):
The FWPD says that Flock is officially offline in Fort Wayne.
The following statement, issued Monday (8-31), is from Chief Smith:
Since being appointed Chief of the Fort Wayne Police Department earlier this year, I have been committed to transparency regarding our use of Flock License Plate Reader technology. I want to continue that transparency today by explaining both the decision we have made and how we arrived at it.
Following City Council’s vote not to approve the proposed Flock contract, I briefly considered whether a smaller contract could allow the department to retain a limited number of cameras. One of the factors we needed to consider was our obligation under the federal grant that initially funded this program.
That issue has now been resolved. The federal government has authorized the Fort Wayne Police Department to close the grant early without penalty or jeopardizing our eligibility for future grant funding.
I continue to believe Flock has value as an investigative tool. Our officers and detectives have used this technology to develop investigative leads, locate vehicles associated with criminal activity, recover stolen vehicles, locate missing people, and assist in serious criminal investigations.
However, effective policing requires more than technology. It requires the trust and confidence of the community we serve.
After careful consideration and discussions with Mayor Tucker, it became clear to me that continuing the Flock program following City Council’s decision carried the risk of damaging that trust. While we may not always agree on the value of a particular law-enforcement tool, the relationship between this department, our elected leaders, and the people of Fort Wayne is far more important than any single piece of technology.
For that reason, the decision was made to discontinue the Fort Wayne Police Department’s use of Flock.
UPDATE (August 28, 2026):
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The Fort Wayne Police Department says that Flock license plate reader cameras will come down after all. Despite a unanimous vote at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, it appeared for a brief time that the department would try to find other ways to keep and finance the contract with Flock.
After conversations with Mayor Tucker, the FWPD says that Flock cameras will come down after all.
For a brief time, the department had been looking at other ways to finance the contract.
Read more here
UPDATE (August 26, 2026):
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Fort Wayne City Council voted Tuesday night on whether or not to extend the contract with Flock Safety cameras.
It was a unanimous vote to end the contract for the 36 automated license plate reader cameras in our area.
Flock and similar systems have raised serious privacy concerns recently here in Fort Wayne and nationwide.
Read more here
Following the vote, the Fort Wayne Police Department respects the decision of the Fort Wayne City Council regarding the proposed Flock Safety contract.
The following was issued:
License Plate Reader technology has proven to be a valuable investigative resource for our officers and detectives, and the department continues to believe it can be used responsibly while maintaining appropriate safeguards for privacy, accountability, and oversight.
One of the first actions Chief Paul Smith took after being appointed Chief was to brief City Council on the department’s use of the Flock LPR system and provide information about how the technology is used. FWPD has consistently supported transparency and appropriate oversight of this technology.
The Fort Wayne Police Department will also continue to support reasonable efforts to establish legislation governing how License Plate Reader technology is used. We believe effective public-safety tools and appropriate safeguards can coexist, and we remain committed to working with City Council on clear standards that protect legitimate privacy interests while preserving the investigative value of LPR technology.
FWPD will evaluate the impact of tonight’s decision and determine the appropriate path forward. We appreciate the time City Council members and members of the community have devoted to this discussion and remain committed to transparency regarding the department’s use of this technology.
UPDATE (July 22, 2026):
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) has a resource now online that it says could help with questions and concerns about Flock Safety cameras.
Officials say the new page on the City’s website has information about how the cameras work, how FWPD uses the technology, what information is collected, how long data is retained, who may access the system, and what safeguards are in place to prevent misuse.
The following was released:
The Fort Wayne Police Department has launched a new Engage Fort Wayne page dedicated to providing information and answering community questions about the Department’s use of Flock Safety license plate reader cameras.
The page provides residents with a centralized source of information about how the cameras work, how FWPD uses the technology, what information is collected, how long data is retained, who may access the system, and what safeguards are in place to prevent misuse.
“Public trust requires transparency, especially when law enforcement uses emerging technology,” Police Chief Paul Smith said. “This page gives residents an opportunity to learn how the system works, understand the restrictions governing its use, and submit questions directly to the Department.”
The Engage Fort Wayne page addresses frequently asked questions about topics including:
The purpose and capabilities of Flock cameras
Privacy and data retention
Access by other law enforcement agencies
Search requirements and auditing
Data security
Camera locations, funding, and maintenance
Investigative uses of the system
Prohibited uses, including general surveillance and automated traffic enforcement
Flock cameras take still images of vehicles traveling on public roadways and may record information such as a license plate, vehicle make, body type, color, and distinguishing characteristics. The system does not use facial recognition and is not used to issue automated speeding, parking, or red-light citations.
FWPD uses the system as an investigative tool to help identify vehicles associated with serious crimes, stolen vehicles, wanted persons, missing persons, and other incidents in which vehicle information may assist an investigation.
Residents may review the information and submit questions through the Engage Fort Wayne website HERE
The Department will continue updating the page as additional questions are received and new information becomes available.
ORIGINAL POST:
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The Fort Wayne City Council has postponed a vote once again on renewing a contract with Flock for surveillance and license plate reading cameras. The council delayed the vote in May for more time to clarify the city’s policy on the data collected.
City Councilman Russ Jehl says it’s “a generational decision because it involves civil liberties,” and they need “to have a vetted discussion.”
A total of 36 Flock Safety cameras have been installed in Fort Wayne over the last several years.
Read more HERE
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