Another Illinois City Shuts Down Their Flock Program

The Sterling Police Department announced on Monday that they will no longer be using Flock automated license plate readers.

In a press release sent out by the department, they said that the department entered into a contract in May of 2025 to get the automated license plate readers from Flock.

They maintain that they have only used them within the confines of the law, using regular internal audits of the use of the cameras to ensure that the officers were using the information appropriately.

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The statement goes on to say that they understand the issues around Flock and other plate readers, both legal views and public opinion, have left the capabilities and necessity for the cameras disputed.

"The Sterling Police Department has proven through rigorous audits that the illegal uses and misuses seen elsewhere have not been and are not an issue in the Sterling Police Department’s use of ALPR’s," the department said. "We recognize issues around Flock and ALPR’s continues to evolve — with legal discussions, public opinion, and its capabilities being disputed."

Sterling Police said that they will continue to look at technology that will help prevent and resolve crime while being mindful of the community's best interests.

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"As a department, we will continue to explore and evaluate the best, legal and constitutional options available for the prevention of and resolution of crime and community needs. Those options will be decided based upon developments in the technology, legislation and privacy protections for all."

The contract with Flock has been terminated, with ALPRs throughout Sterling being deactivated with a later date planned for the cameras to be removed.