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Town of Cheektowaga
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Expansion of Flock Automated License Plate Reader Cameras

Town of Cheektowaga

Summary

Residents presented FOIL'd event logs showing former officers retained access, joke hotlists tracking co-workers, and disabled multi-factor authentication, after three officers were suspended for misusing the system to stalk a town employee. Speakers demanded the cameras come down, an independent audit, and a local ALPR law; Supervisor Nowak said the board must seriously consider the system's future in 2027.

At a glance

Total mentions
7
Last 30 days
3

Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 13, 2026.

Impact analysis

💰Financial impact

Residents warned of potentially seven-figure lawsuit costs if misuse continues; pending notices of claim are already on the agenda.

✅Who benefits

If reined in or removed, town residents concerned about mass surveillance and potential lawsuit taxpayers.

⚠️Who could be affected

Residents whose plate data may be searched without probable cause, and taxpayers footing litigation costs.

Mentions & discussions (9)

WGRZ Local NewsOct 29, 2026

Lockport removes Flock cameras and bans future installations

The City of Lockport is reversing course on a technology it approved earlier this year.

WGRZ Local NewsOct 28, 2026

UB plan to temporarily install 20 Flock cameras in 2027 draws mixed reactions

UB Police says the license plate reader technology will test usability in criminal investigations during a 60-day pilot program in the spring of 2027.

MeetingOct 13, 2026

Board - Regular Meeting — October 13, 2026

Residents presented FOIL'd event logs showing former officers retained access, joke hotlists tracking co-workers, and disabled multi-factor authentication, after three officers were suspended for misusing the system to stalk a town employee. Speakers demanded the cameras come down, an independent audit, and a local ALPR law; Supervisor Nowak said the board must seriously consider the system's future in 2027.

Spectrum NewsJun 25, 2026

Cheektowaga approves additional Flock cameras amid public backlash

Cheektowaga approves additional Flock cameras amid public backlash Spectrum News

MeetingJun 24, 2026

Board - Regular Meeting — June 24, 2026

The town board voted to add two more Flock license plate reader cameras, sparking intense debate between residents concerned about civil liberties and surveillance, and police officials and supporters who view the cameras as vital tools for solving crimes.

MeetingJun 9, 2026

Board - Regular Meeting — June 9, 2026

Residents and board members debated whether to expand the town's contract for Flock automated license plate reader cameras. Critics raised serious concerns about data privacy, security vulnerabilities, and lack of oversight, while police officials and supporters defended the technology as an essential, grant-funded tool for solving violent crimes and recovering stolen property.

MeetingMay 26, 2026

Board - Regular Meeting — May 26, 2026

Residents and council members debated the proposed expansion of Flock safety automated license plate readers, raising serious concerns about data privacy, federal access, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities while police officials defended them as vital tools for solving violent crimes.

MeetingApr 14, 2026

Board - Regular Meeting — April 14, 2026

Residents voiced sharp criticism over the town's use of Flock automated license plate readers, citing privacy violations and data sharing concerns.

New York FocusJan 23, 2026

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