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Cities Transition to Axon Technology as Public Backlash and Vandalism Target Flock Safety Cameras

Law enforcement agencies across the country are increasingly replacing Flock Safety cameras with technology from Axon. This shift follows widespread public backlash and physical vandalism against Flock's automated license plate readers (ALPRs). Critics have cited issues such as police using the system to stalk ex-spouses, track a woman who self-administered an abortion, and perform lookups for the federal government. In response to the criticism, Axon is exploring hardware redesigns to make its cameras less similar to Flock's model. Axon CEO Rick Smith noted that some customers want different shapes to improve optics and reduce the likelihood of vandalism. Several cities have already made the switch. The City of Kenosha announced it is moving to Axon technology a year early to gain greater control over data access. Similarly, the Durango Police Department announced it will not renew its contract with Flock in 2027, opting for Axon instead. In Durango, Police Chief Brice Current stated that the transition aims to balance public safety with privacy protections. While the technology remains similar, the branding and hardware are changing to address community concerns.

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