License Plate Cameras Reappear in Dayton, Minnesota, After City Cut Ties
In Dayton, Minnesota, two Flock automated license plate reader cameras were unexpectedly reinstalled despite the city having previously cut ties with the company and put the program on hold. The reappearance was due to a maintenance order submitted by Flock.
Minneapolis St. Paul, MN, October 1, 2026 —
DAYTON, MN – Two automated license plate reader cameras from the company Flock have been unexpectedly reinstalled in Dayton, Minnesota, according to local reports. This development occurred despite the city council previously voting to terminate its contract with Flock and place the license plate reader program on hold.
The cameras’ reappearance was reportedly initiated by a maintenance order submitted by Flock. Specific details regarding the nature of this maintenance or who within the city administration authorized or was aware of the maintenance order prior to the cameras being placed back in service were not immediately available. The contractor’s name, if different from Flock, was not provided.
The city had previously ended its relationship with Flock and paused the use of its automated license plate reader technology. The reasons for the initial decision to cut ties and halt the program were not detailed in the available information. The timeline for when the city officially cut ties or when the program was put on hold was also not specified.
Automated license plate readers (ALPRs) are technology systems that use cameras to automatically capture images of license plates that pass by them. These systems are often used by law enforcement for various purposes, including identifying vehicles associated with criminal activity. Flock is a company that provides these ALPR systems, often on a subscription basis.
The unexpected reinstallation raises questions about the communication and oversight processes between the city and its former vendor, particularly following a decision to cease using the technology. Further information regarding the maintenance order, the specific cameras involved, and the city’s current stance on the use of Flock ALPR technology is pending.
Story summarized from the original created by Steve McPherson on www.minnpost.com, see more information here.
