Police technology designed to help solve crimes is also raising privacy questions here in our region. Across Michigan, more than 125 communities use automated license plate reader cameras operated by Flock Safety. The cameras capture images of passing vehicles and store plate data to help law enforcement locate stolen cars, missing persons, and criminal suspects. The City of Menominee is now considering whether to install the system. Meanwhile, neighboring Marinette put cameras in place more than a year ago. Police there say the technology has already helped investigators generate leads and close cases more quickly. But not everyone is on board. Some community members argue the cameras track too much movement, rely heavily on artificial intelligence, and could allow data to be shared far beyond local borders. Civil liberties advocates say that without strict oversight, the systems risk infringing on personal privacy. Currently, there are no statewide laws in Michigan specifically regulating how license plate reader data is stored or shared, leaving those policies up to individual communities and police departments. Menominee officials are expected to continue discussions at the Committee of the Whole meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, February 10th.
Menominee Weighs Flock Camera System as Privacy Debate Grows
Feb 4, 2026 | 2:58 PM









Comments