Wausau Committee Recommends Shutting Down Flock License-Plate Cameras

Wausau is moving closer to ending its use of automated license-plate-reading cameras after a city committee voted unanimously Monday to recommend shutting down the system.

The Public Health and Safety Committee voted to recommend immediately stopping use of all 20 cameras operated by Flock Safety and ending future payments under the city’s contract with the company. The committee also wants the Finance Committee to remove funding for the service from Wausau’s 2027 and 2028 budgets. The recommendations represent a significant development in the city’s ongoing debate over surveillance technology, privacy and law enforcement.

Wausau’s five-year contract with Flock Safety is valued at $250,000, with annual payments of $50,000. The cameras automatically capture license-plate information that law enforcement can use to help identify vehicles connected to investigations. Opponents have raised concerns about how the technology collects information, who can access the data and how long that information is retained. Supporters of automated license-plate readers have cited their potential value in criminal investigations.

Monday’s committee vote does not itself terminate the contract or establish that the cameras have been disabled. Additional action by city officials is needed before the recommendation becomes final. The next steps include consideration of the funding recommendation and further action by the full City Council.

WJMT News will continue following the issue as Wausau officials determine the future of the camera system.