The University of Michigan Police Department signed an unannounced two-year contract in February 2025 to obtain 15 automated license plate readers and software from Flock Safety. Public records show the $127,500 agreement included artificial intelligence features to capture vehicle traits and permitted third-party data sharing without specified deployment zones. While the cameras were never placed or activated, and payment status remains unknown, the acquisition coincided with wider security updates across campus. Specifically, the university's Division of Public Safety and Security installed general surveillance cameras across the Diag, Law Quad, and most campus building entrances during t…
Key points
Freedom of Information Act records confirmed that the automated license plate reader equi…: Freedom of Information Act records confirmed that the automated license plate reader equipment was never actually installed or operated.
The Flock Safety contract permitted reciprocal information sharing with outside agencies…: The Flock Safety contract permitted reciprocal information sharing with outside agencies and warrant-free data disclosures under specific circumstances.
The revelation added to community concerns that followed the use of force by police durin…: The revelation added to community concerns that followed the use of force by police during campus demonstrations in the 2024–2025 academic year.
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The University of Michigan Police Department (UMPD) signed a $127,500 contract with surveillance technology company Flock Safety to acquire automated licence plate reader cameras, but the equipment was never installed or put into use, according to records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. The revelation has raised fresh questions about the university's surveillance plans, data privacy and the growing use of automated monitoring technology on American campuses.
According to a report by The Michigan Daily, the agreement was signed on February 3, 2025, by Jennifer Carr, a University of Michigan procurement agent, on behalf of the police department. Mark Smith, Flock Safety's general counsel, signed the contract for the company. The agreement was not publicly announced at the time.
UMPD later confirmed that the 15 cameras covered under the deal were neither installed nor operational.
What did the University of Michigan's $127,500 Flock Safety deal include?
Under the agreement, the university committed to paying $63,750 annually, amounting to $127,500 over an initial 24-month period. The contract covered 15 Falcon Flex cameras, described as law-enforcement-grade tactical deployment equipment,…
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