Binghamton Lawmakers Want Flock Safety Contracts Terminated

Binghamton City Council is calling for existing contracts for automated license plate readers to be tossed out.

Lawmakers have approved a resolution calling on Mayor Jared Kraham to terminate the city's contracts with Flock Safety.

In recent months, some Binghamton residents have called on the city to stop using the network of Flock devices because of privacy concerns.

A Flock Safety automatic license plate reader on Robert Street near a Binghamton apartment complex. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Dozens of communities have pulled the plug on the license plate readers in recent years for various reasons, including opposition to surveillance technology.

Several cases of unauthorized access and use of the Flock Safety database have been reported across the country.

Following the council vote, Mayor Kraham made it clear he has no intention of terminating the Flock contracts.

He told WNBF News "this technology has contributed to a reduction of crime in the city of Binghamton." He said "it is an officer safety issue."

A license plate reader next to an abandoned apartment building at Edwards and North streets on August 7, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Kraham said the devices alert police "when there are dangerous fugitives that are in our area." He said the plate readers "lead to successful prosecution" of serious crimes.

City Council president Michael Dundon said "Binghamton residents should not be subject to surveillance anywhere they go."

He said "public safety and constitutional rights are not mutually exclusive."

A Flock Safety device on Riverside Drive on Binghamton's West Side. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.