Bend ends Flock license-plate camera pilot early over privacy concerns

The Bend City Council voted to end a pilot program with Flock Safety license-plate reading cameras five months early, citing concerns about data security. The cameras were installed in spring 2025 along Highway 97. Police said the cameras helped recover three stolen vehicles and track a stabbing suspect and a sex offender. Councilor Mike Riley said the contract lacked guarantees about data use and sharing with other governments, especially given Oregon’s sanctuary state status. The city will pay approximately $10,000 for the remainder of the contract even though the cameras are being turned off.