Ulster County bans Flock cameras

On October 22, 2026 Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger signed an executive order banning Flock cameras and similar AI-assisted surveillance technology on county grounds: “I have serious concerns about the threats such technologies pose to individual privacy and the rights of law-abiding community members.”

The order, effective immediately, prohibits all departments and employees under the executive’s authority from purchasing, contracting for, or deploying Flock cameras or any similar AI‑assisted surveillance technologies. The order also bars County departments from allowing vendors or contractors to use such technologies on the County’s behalf.

“Protecting public safety and individual rights go hand in hand in a democracy, and the development of Flock cameras and other AI-assisted surveillance technologies threatens that balance,” said County Executive Jen Metzger. “Added to this concern is the absence of regulatory guardrails in the development of AI by these private companies to safeguard security and safety. This Executive Order ensures that Ulster County does not adopt surveillance tools that have the potential to erode privacy or expose residents to misuse of their personal information.”

In addition, Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa says the department won’t “add additional” license plate readers.

“I support County Executive Metzger’s Executive Order prohibiting Flock and AI-assisted surveillance,” said Sheriff Figueroa. “Protecting public safety while upholding the privacy and civil liberties of our residents is essential, and the Executive Order provides an important framework for both. I will be issuing a separate statement outlining our department’s approach to surveillance technologies to ensure transparency and clarity moving forward.”

Read the Executive Order below:




 

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