Ban Flock Safety Surveillance Cameras in Michigan: Protect Our Privacy and End Warrantless Tracking

Petition Description / Body:

We, the undersigned residents of Michigan, demand an immediate end to the unchecked expansion of Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras across our state. These AI-powered surveillance systems are turning our public roads into a vast network of digital checkpoints that track the everyday movements of millions of drivers without warrants, probable cause, or meaningful oversight.

Flock cameras continuously scan and record license plates, vehicle details, and often more — storing this data in the cloud for up to 30 days and sharing it across local, state, and even federal agencies. Nearly a third of Michigan law enforcement agencies now use this technology, with cameras multiplying rapidly in Metro Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Oakland County, and beyond.feddd7

This is mass surveillance, not targeted policing.

It creates a permanent record of where you drive, when, and how often — eroding our fundamental right to privacy and freedom of movement.

Data is accessible to hundreds of agencies nationwide, including potential sharing with federal immigration enforcement (ICE/CBP), raising serious concerns for immigrant communities, activists, and everyday residents.d8649c

False positives, data breaches, and misuse risks (including stalking or wrongful arrests) have been documented elsewhere, and Michigan lacks strong statewide regulations to prevent abuse.b1e7b7

Taxpayer dollars are funding this dystopian technology instead of proven community safety solutions like better mental health services, housing support, education, and jobs.

Other communities across the U.S. have already canceled Flock contracts after public outcry. Michigan should lead by protecting civil liberties, not following the surveillance trend.

We call on the Michigan Governor, State Legislature (especially the Senate and House), and all local governments and police departments to:

Immediately halt new Flock camera installations and end existing contracts.

Remove all Flock Safety ALPR cameras from public roads, highways, and neighborhoods.

Prohibit warrantless use of any ALPR data in investigations and ban sharing with federal agencies without a court order.

Pass statewide legislation banning or strictly regulating these systems to protect residents' privacy rights under the Michigan Constitution and U.S. Constitution.

Redirect funds toward community-based public safety initiatives.

Our right to privacy should not be sacrificed for the illusion of security. Join us in telling Michigan leaders: Get the Flock Out of Michigan!

Sign and share this petition today. Every signature brings us closer to real change. Thank you for standing up for our freedoms.