What's Happening?
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department has decided not to renew its contract with Flock Safety, a company providing automated license plate readers (ALPRs). This decision follows criticism from faculty and staff regarding privacy concerns
and the lack of public involvement in the decision-making process. The department initially installed eight Flock cameras in July 2025, which have been used to capture license plate numbers and other vehicle details. The Faculty Senate had previously called for the termination of the contract and the establishment of a Video Surveillance Oversight Board. The police department is now exploring other options for license plate readers, including the possibility of discontinuing their use altogether. The department plans to engage the campus community in discussions about future surveillance technologies when students return in the fall.
Why It's Important?
The decision to end the contract with Flock Safety highlights ongoing debates about privacy and surveillance in public spaces. Automated license plate readers have been criticized for their potential to infringe on individual privacy and for the possibility of data being shared with federal agencies, including immigration enforcement. The move by UW-Madison reflects a growing trend among institutions to reconsider the use of such technologies amid public pressure and privacy concerns. This decision could influence other universities and public institutions to reevaluate their surveillance practices and prioritize community involvement in decision-making processes. The outcome of this reevaluation could impact the future of surveillance technology use in educational settings and beyond.
What's Next?
The UW-Madison Police Department plans to engage with the campus community in the fall to discuss the future of surveillance technologies on campus. This may include public forums or opening up meetings of the department's advisory council to gather input from students, faculty, and staff. The department will also need to decide whether to pursue a contract with another ALPR provider or to discontinue the use of such technology altogether. The outcome of these discussions could set a precedent for how other institutions handle similar privacy concerns and community involvement in surveillance decisions.
