Illinois College Sought Removal of Flock Safety Cameras; Company Refused
Elgin Community College attempted to have Flock Safety cameras removed in September 2025 due to concerns over data security and sharing, but the company rejected the request.
Elgin Community College in Illinois sought the removal of Flock Safety cameras installed on its campus, but the company refused the request. The college had installed six Flock Safety license plate recognition cameras in April 2025 to "enhance the safety and security of students."
By September 2025, however, the college administration grew concerned that Flock was sharing data with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Further worries included allegations of inadequate security for camera feeds and potential abuse of data access by both law enforcement and Flock employees.
In October 2025, Elgin Community College formally requested Flock to remove its cameras. College President Peggy Heinrich stated that Flock rejected the request, asserting that no contract violations had occurred. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the college is now exploring its contractual options.
The situation highlights broader concerns surrounding the use of surveillance technology by educational institutions and data privacy issues. Flock Safety maintains its adherence to contractual obligations and data protection regulations.