A Flock camera in Oshkosh. March 31, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
WAUPACA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) –Law enforcement agencies across Waupaca County are suspending their use of Flock cameras, citing concerns about data sharing, privacy and the ability to control sensitive investigative information once it leaves local agencies.
The joint announcement, dated Sept. 8, 2026, said the decision followed a review of the technology’s capabilities, data-sharing practices, privacy considerations, investigative information and “our ability to maintain control over information once it leaves our respective agencies.”
A key concern involves instances in which Flock-related law enforcement search information held by agencies in other states has been disclosed in response to public records requests. The release noted that investigative information can involve “victims, survivors, witnesses, juveniles, confidential sources, suspects, missing or endangered persons, and other sensitive information,” and warned that unauthorized or unintended disclosure can compromise investigations, expose victims or witnesses to additional harm, create public safety concerns, or interfere with holding offenders accountable.
The agencies acknowledged the investigative value of Flock’s nationwide network, noting that criminal activity crosses city, county and state boundaries. But they said participation in a nationwide information-sharing network can also mean information becomes subject to laws, policies and public records decisions in jurisdictions outside local control, creating what they described as a “loss of control over sensitive law enforcement information.”
The release said agencies in Waupaca County had taken steps to ensure the technology was used appropriately and only for legitimate law enforcement purposes, including user training, requiring a legitimate law enforcement purpose for searches, and the ability to review and audit system use. The review, the agencies said, did not change their confidence in local personnel or how the system was used within the county.
The technology has been used in Waupaca County to help identify vehicles involved in hit-and-run crashes, locate wanted individuals and stolen vehicles, identify vehicles involved in pursuits and other criminal investigations, and locate missing, suicidal and endangered individuals, according to the release.
The agencies also said they have heard concerns from members of the public about privacy, government access to information, data retention and the expanding capabilities of the technology, and said public trust requires safeguards to protect privacy, constitutional rights and sensitive investigative information.
Waupaca County law enforcement agencies said they have collectively determined that continued use of the Flock system will be suspended, “if they have not already been.” The release emphasized the decision was not due to misconduct, improper searches or misuse by Waupaca County law enforcement personnel, but instead focused on control of sensitive information once it becomes accessible through a larger network.
A Flock spokesperson made this statement in response:
Online databases featuring data about Flock searches are in no way affiliated with Flock and Flock did not release any data to them. Data on these websites was obtained through public records requests filed in other states. Customers own and control their data and Flock does not sell it.
During the suspension, the agencies said they will monitor changes in Wisconsin law, legal decisions, privacy protections, accountability standards, data-sharing practices and best practices involving ALPR and similar technologies. They also said participating agencies will continue evaluating what safeguards and controls are needed to ensure law enforcement information is appropriately used, stored, accessed, shared, retained and disclosed.
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