Resolution Introduced to Remove Funding for Automated License Plate Reader System

March 19, 2026
Dylan Moffitt, Policy, Outreach, and Communications Coordinator, (608) 228-9053
County Board

DANE COUNTY, Wis. — During the March 19, 2026, meeting of the Dane County Board of Supervisors a resolution was introduced that would amend the 2026 county budget to remove funding for the Dane County Sheriff’s Office use of the Flock automatic license plate reader (ALPR) system.

The resolution, 2025 RES-403, will be referred to the Public Protection & Judiciary Committee and the Personnel & Finance Committee for further review before returning to the full county board for consideration.

The resolution cites concerns raised by residents, state policymakers, and privacy experts about data-sharing and use beyond the system’s original purpose, including violations of constitutional rights and civil liberties. It also reflects broader ongoing statewide discussions about ALPR technology, including reported misuse for personal surveillance and concerns about oversight, auditing, transparency, and how searches are conducted and reviewed.

Jurisdictions across the country have reevaluated or discontinued use of the technology amid similar concerns, including use in federal immigration enforcement. While Dane County Sheriff’s Office policy prohibits use of the system for immigration enforcement, questions remain about how data shared with outside agencies may be used once it leaves county control. The sheriff’s office has granted access to Flock data to more than 140 law enforcement agencies across at least eight states.

According to publicly available audit data from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office Flock transparency portal, a majority of the recent searches made by deputies on the Flock system were categorized as “attempt to locate” queries, rather than tied to specific alleged crimes.

“Public safety tools must not come at the expense of privacy, data protection, or fundamental human rights,” said Supervisor Chad Kemp (Dist. 32), who is the author of the resolution. “This policy affirms that principle.”

“Ending the Flock contract helps protect the privacy and civil liberties of Dane County residents and visitors,” said Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner (Dist. 2), who is a sponsor of the resolution. “Mass surveillance networks like those supported by automatic license plate reader data do not support public safety; they threaten our rights and freedoms.”

The 2026 Dane County budget includes $80,000 to fund an annual subscription to the Flock system for the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. The current subscription is set to run through May 31, 2026. If adopted, the resolution would remove that funding and prohibit further expenditures on the system.

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