Flock License-Plate-Reader Program
Summary
Pastor Rosie proposed swapping expensive Flock surveillance cameras for red-light cameras that generate revenue and target dangerous intersections.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 13
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Nov 9, 2026.
Impact analysis
Could shift surveillance spending and generate fine revenue (amounts unspecified).
Pedestrians at dangerous intersections and residents wary of constant surveillance.
Drivers who run red lights would face ticketed enforcement.
Mentions & discussions (13)
City Council - Nov 9, 2026
Pastor Rosie proposed swapping expensive Flock surveillance cameras for red-light cameras that generate revenue and target dangerous intersections.
City Council - Sep 14, 2026
Nearly every public commenter demanded the city remove Flock license plate readers immediately, citing reports that outside agencies accessed Newburgh's data on behalf of ICE until January 2026. Council members say removal is coming but must be handled within contract obligations; a surveillance oversight law is in the works.
City Council - Sep 10, 2026
The council is charting a way out of the Flock surveillance contract without a costly breach — by leaving it out of the 2027 budget and sending a cancellation notice right after adoption. A merged resolution with data-sharing guardrails and possibly a surveillance-technology local law are in the works.
City Council - Aug 10, 2026
The council spent months debating whether to cancel the Flock license-plate-reader contract. A motion to force an immediate repeal vote failed 3-4; opponents say the smarter path is to not fund the contract in the September budget, letting it lapse January 1 without a $400K+ buyout.
City Council - Aug 6, 2026
The NYCLU wants the city to terminate its Flock ALPR contract and adopt guardrails on use, data retention, and sharing. Most councilmembers lean toward ending it, but some want Newburgh-specific incident data and alternatives before voting.
City Council - Jul 13, 2026
Roughly ten residents urged the council to terminate the Flock license plate reader contract, citing ICE data access and civil liberties. Councilmembers split on approach: Shakur wants a vote in August, Stewart wants guardrails and monthly reporting until the 2028 contract end, and the mayor said abrupt cancellation would cost about $500,000.
City Council - Jun 8, 2026
Multiple speakers demanded action on the Flock license-plate-reader cameras, citing privacy, data-sharing, and the $400,000 cost. Councilmembers Zorrilla and Shakur expressed opposition; Shakur said he'll raise it every meeting until there's a vote.
City Council - Jun 4, 2026
Only 22 of 38 street cameras work; 16 are mostly irreparable. IT proposed budgeting replacements in September and an interim cellular connectivity fix, and members asked about a dormant DCJS grant for 30 new cameras.
City Council - May 21, 2026
The city's Flock cameras are funded through 2028, and the council is divided: some members want out over ICE-access fears and the vendor's record, while the police chief detailed how the system recovers stolen cars, finds missing people and helps solve violent crimes. Any resolution has to be about terminating or non-renewing — the grant money is spent and can't be redirected.
City Council - May 11, 2026
A long-running fight over the city's Flock license plate cameras. Councilmember Shakur said he'll bring a resolution to cancel the contracts and redirect the roughly $264,000 saved toward youth jobs, transit, childcare, and housing subsidies — it goes to the next work session.
City Council - Apr 27, 2026
Residents urged the council to reject the proposed Flock ALPR camera contract (~$264,000/year for 88 cameras), citing ICE's indirect access to plate data through data-sharing jurisdictions and Flock's track record in other cities. Councilmembers Martinez, Monteverde and Stewart all said they oppose the cameras.
City Council - Apr 23, 2026
An update on the city's Flock license plate reader cameras — a surveillance technology with public-safety benefits and privacy considerations.
City Council - Apr 13, 2026
Multiple residents urged the council to cancel the city's Flock surveillance contract, citing tracking of abortion patients, protesters, and ICE data access. Several councilmembers signaled openness to ending the contract; Corporation Counsel said no resolution was on tonight's agenda.
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