Debate Growing Over License Plate Reader Cameras in Genesee County

A few months ago, we told you about the small black cameras that started popping up at intersections across Mid-Michigan seemingly overnight. They're license plate readers made by a company called Flock Safety, and now the debate about how they are used is heating up in Genesee County.

License Plate Reader Cameras Expanding Across Mid Michigan

Michigan communities have increasingly turned to automated license plate reader systems like the ones made by Flock Safety.

READ MORE: Here's Why Genesee County is Questioning Flock Safety Cameras

The cameras are designed to capture images of passing plates and vehicle details, creating searchable data that police departments can use when investigating crimes.

Cameras Credited With Solving Crimes in Genesee County

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office says the cameras helped recover 94 stolen vehicles in the last fiscal year alone according to a report from MLive. Investigators also credit the network with helping track down a suspect in a 2024 Fenton Township murder case after witnesses reported seeing an orange Chevrolet Camaro near the scene.

READ MORE: Why The License Plate Reader Debate Now Statewide

Using the camera network, investigators were able to locate a matching vehicle in the Detroit area, which eventually led them to a suspect who now faces multiple felony charges in connection with the shooting.

Genesee County Considering New Restrictions on Camera Data

But the cameras have also raised concerns among some residents and privacy advocates. Critics worry about how much data is being collected and how it could potentially be used in the future, especially if federal agencies request access to that information.

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Now Genesee County commissioners are considering new restrictions on how that data can be shared before deciding whether to move forward with renewing parts of the system.

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Board Chair Dale Weighill says he plans to introduce an amendment that would require federal agencies to obtain a warrant before gaining access to data collected by the county’s cameras. The proposal would also require a 24 hour notice to commissioners if a request is made, while still allowing the sheriff to grant access without a warrant in emergency situations.

Privacy Concerns Raised by Some Residents

Some residents have urged commissioners to remove the cameras entirely, arguing that once large amounts of surveillance data are collected, it is impossible to fully control how it may be used later.

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But for now, the cameras are staying up. However, the rules around how their data can be used may soon change.  Just remember, the next time you are sitting at a red light in Genesee County, there is a decent chance one of those small black boxes nearby is quietly reading your license plate.