Flock Safety provides automated license plate recognition cameras to cities nationwide. WIRED reviewed contracts from more than two dozen municipalities to understand the company’s pricing structure. The documents reveal how Flock’s business model operates compared to competitors in the surveillance market.
Flock typically charges cities annual fees based on camera quantity and data storage needs. Contracts show per-camera pricing ranging from roughly $1,500 to $3,000 per year. Larger cities often negotiate volume discounts for broader deployments.
The company markets its system as a tool for solving property crimes and locating stolen vehicles. Flock cameras capture images of license plates and vehicle characteristics. Data feeds into a searchable network accessible to participating law enforcement agencies.
Cities sign multi-year agreements that include hardware, software, and maintenance. Many contracts contain automatic renewal clauses unless cancelled within a specific window. This structure creates predictable recurring revenue for Flock.
Some municipalities face budget constraints when renewing Flock contracts. Price increases upon renewal have prompted debates among local officials. A few cities have opted not to renew, citing costs or privacy concerns.
Flock competes with established vendors like Motorola Solutions and Genetec. Its pricing often undercuts larger competitors, making it attractive to smaller departments. However, add-on features and data storage can raise total costs significantly.
Transparency varies widely across contracts. Some cities release full pricing details while others redact key figures. WIRED’s analysis found inconsistent disclosure practices among the municipalities reviewed.
Privacy advocates argue that the true cost extends beyond contract dollars. They point to civil liberties risks and the potential for misuse of location data. These concerns have fueled public backlash in several communities.
Flock maintains that its pricing reflects the value of its technology and support services. The company says it works with departments of all sizes to find affordable solutions. Whether that model remains sustainable as scrutiny grows is unclear.
