After Ending Use of Flock License Plate Cameras, Ferndale Council Considering Contract with Axon
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Nov 23, 2025)
Ferndale, MI – The City of Ferndale recently discontinued use of Flock Safety license plate recording cameras after members of the community shared concerns about how the technology and data were being used. City Council is now considering a different Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) provider, Axon, at their Monday Nov. 24, 2025 City Council meeting.
A memo from Police Chief Dennis Emmi, included in the agenda packet asks officials to approve a five-year agreement with Axon not to exceed $110,167.60 over 5-Years, to be paid from the Drug Forfeiture fund. The agreement includes installation, service and maintenance for nine cameras, and two equipment refreshes to keep pace with technology advances.
The memo states that “The police department has vetted four ALPR providers (Axon, Genetec, Rekor, Motorola). After the vetting process, the police department recommends contracting ALPR technology from Axon.
“Axon does not have a national look up feature. Axon’s ALPR data sharing software only operates on a “one to one” basis.
“Based on the data collected from the pilot program, the police department recommends installing cameras at the following locations: northbound and southbound Woodward, eastbound and westbound Eight Mile Road, and eastbound and westbound Nine Mile Road.”
Ferndale Police have been working with Axon for nearly five years for body worn camera, in-car camera, interview room, taser, and evidence storage. Axon also works with CLEMIS which provides services to Oakland County.
Emmi also states that “Though the city had concerns with the vendor, the police department was very successful using ALPR technology to solve serious crimes in our community, including murders, attempted murder, robberies, and home invasions. Due to the success of this program, the Chief of Police recommends continued use of ALPR technology.”
At the Sept. 29, 2025 City Council meeting the Police Chief presented data from the use of Flock in Ferndale, including info on the placement of cameras, and what crimes were investigated using the technology. City Council also heard from members of the public about Flock’s sharing of data, and concerns that it was being used by federal agencies for immigration enforcement, and by police in other states where women’s access to healthcare is limited. Members of the Ferndale Inclusion Network also argued that placement of cameras on 8 Mile were targeting minority populations.
With so many residents speaking at public comment and contacting officials in other ways, the City postponed the vote and scheduled two community discussion events. The announcement to end Flock was made Nov. 13.
