CITY OF HAVERHILL CANCELING FLOCK SAFETY CONTRACT

CITY OF HAVERHILL CANCELING FLOCK SAFETY CONTRACT

The City of Haverhill has initiated the cancelation of the Haverhill Police Department’s contract with Flock Safety (Flock) and has requested that Flock remove its Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) installed throughout the city.

Since 2023, the Haverhill Police Department has used Flock cameras to assist with investigations involving homicides, shootings, armed robberies, domestic disturbances, stalking, drug trafficking, stolen vehicles and license plates, sexual assault, criminal harassment, hit-and-run crashes, animal cruelty, and other offenses.

To ensure the system was used only for law enforcement purposes, the department enforced strict internal controls, including limiting authorized users, maintaining comprehensive usage logs, requiring documented justification for every search, and conducting regular audits of Flock system activity. These audits, including the most recent review in October 2026, found no evidence of misuse, unauthorized access, or policy violations.

However, the City found that Flock’s technology itself does not provide enough necessary safeguards to protect residents' privacy and is currently establishing an ordinance and internal policy regarding the use of ALPRs in Haverhill.

To balance public safety needs with the privacy rights of Haverhill residents, the City will continue conducting a thorough review of all law enforcement tools and guardrails in partnership with the Haverhill City Council. The public is invited to attend the Council’s Public Safety Subcommittee Meeting on Thursday, November 12, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers during which the Subcommittee and City will discuss additional potential guardrails and oversight requirements for any future ALPRs.

STATEMENT FROM HAVERHILL POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Haverhill Police Department recognizes the significant investigative value of Flock Safety cameras, which have assisted officers in identifying suspects, developing investigative leads, and solving crimes. This technology has provided meaningful benefits to the department and has been a valuable tool in supporting public safety.

However, the public perception and growing concerns surrounding Flock Safety as a company have become important considerations in evaluating the future of this technology. As a result, the City is transitioning away from Flock Safety systems while continuing to prioritize effective investigative tools and resources that support law enforcement operations.

This transition does not diminish the department’s recognition of the technology’s investigative benefits. Rather, it reflects the need to continually assess the tools we use, the companies we partner with, and the broader impact those partnerships may have on public confidence. The Police Department remains committed to leveraging effective technology, solving crimes, and protecting the community while maintaining public trust.

Haverhill Police Department Flock Security and Privacy Measures