Milwaukee County is moving to remove Flock license-plate reader cameras from its parks, with County Executive David Crowley signing a resolution Monday directing their removal from county property. The county’s contract with Flock Safety expires in December, and the proposed 2027 budget does not include funding for the cameras. County parks workers began covering them last week to prevent them from collecting data, according to Crowley. Flock cameras photograph passing vehicles and license plates, then store the images in a searchable database that law enforcement can query using a plate number or vehicle description. Police departments have used the technology to investigate crimes, but it has also drawn scrutiny over privacy and reports of misuse, including officers using the system to track people for personal reasons. “Even the strongest policy framework is only as trustworthy as the company behind the technology,” Crowley said, adding that a good relationship with a vendor does not protect residents’ data. He said the county should act before a breach or misuse occurs. The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office has argued against canceling the system, saying certain crimes in county parks fell 43% after the cameras were introduced and warning that removing them could lead to more crime. The department has been working on a policy framework for the technology, Crowley said. Crowley said the documented cases of misuse he cited did not involve county employees. However, two Milwaukee police officers have been charged or sentenced in connection with misuse of Flock data. The Milwaukee Police Department has indicated it plans to renew its separate contract with Flock while adding audits and other safeguards. Flock cameras were adopted in Milwaukee as local officials sought to address reckless driving and vehicle theft. The county’s decision comes amid broader debate about whether the technology’s investigative value justifies the collection and retention of location-related data. “Residents should be able to enjoy our beautiful parks without wondering whether their presence is being logged in an AI-powered surveillance system,” Crowley said.