Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball criticized the County Board’s decision to remove Flock license-plate-reading cameras from county parks, warning that crime could rise after the devices are taken down by the end of the year. The board voted unanimously on Oct. 1 to remove the cameras amid concerns about privacy and data sharing. Ball said the technology helped her department fight crime in the parks, though the extent to which the cameras caused crime to decline has not been established. “Last year we were able to reduce crime by 36% in our parks,” Ball said. She called the removal a disservice, arguing that Milwaukee County faces a level of crime different from communities elsewhere in Wisconsin that have discontinued Flock systems. Flock cameras capture vehicles and license plates so police can search images during investigations. Supporters say they can help solve crimes and find stolen vehicles. Critics question how the data is retained and accessed, and whether the systems could enable tracking of people not suspected of wrongdoing. Concerns have also been raised about police data-sharing networks and possible use of the information for immigration enforcement. Ball said her department shortened its data-retention period from 30 days to seven and had proposed reducing it to 48 hours. She rejected privacy objections on the grounds that license plates are visible in public. The sheriff’s office is considering other camera systems, Ball said, but does not currently have money for replacements. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley left funding for Flock cameras out of his proposed 2027 budget. The County Board has left open the possibility of replacing them with conventional security cameras, but funding has not been secured. Crowley has called for stronger rules on data sharing, independent audits and accountability. Other Wisconsin communities, including Sheboygan, Oconomowoc and Racine, have moved to end their Flock agreements, while Dane County has ended its contract and covered its cameras pending removal.