Hutto City Council voted Thursday to permanently discontinue the Police Department’s Flock Safety automated license plate reader program, ending the city’s use of the surveillance cameras after an internal review raised concerns about data access and oversight. The review found that outside agencies able to access information collected through the system were not bound by Hutto Police Department policies governing how that data could be used. Department leaders removed the cameras after identifying the issue, and the council’s vote means the devices will remain offline permanently. The council also cited concerns about emerging artificial intelligence technology as it considered whether the program should continue. Automated license plate readers can record vehicle information and allow participating agencies to search or share data, making questions about retention, access and accountability central to the local debate. Police Chief Jeffrey Yarbrough said the decision was part of the department’s broader evaluation of its public-safety tools. “We’re always evaluating how we can best serve and protect the people of Hutto, and that means staying thoughtful about the tools we use and how they’re used,” Yarbrough said in a statement. “This decision reflects that ongoing commitment.” Hutto’s action comes as other Central Texas communities reconsider Flock Safety systems amid concerns about privacy, data sharing and surveillance practices. The decision leaves the city without the program while officials assess how law enforcement technology can be used without weakening local control over residents’ information.