A Flock camera in Oshkosh. March 31, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Oshkosh Police Department is continuing its search for new license plate-reading cameras after canceling its contract with Flock Safety due to security concerns.
The city decided at a meeting Tuesday to establish a commission consisting of police officials, a cybersecurity expert, the city’s IT department and Oshkosh residents. New cameras would replace Flock cameras, which read license plates to help track down criminals.
“The overarching goal will be to identify specific recommendations for the department to consider as we review alternative vendors,” said Oshkosh Police Chief Dean Smith. “Once these recommendations are identified, the department will use these recommendations as a guide to engage with new vendors to address security and operational concerns.”
In April, the Oshkosh Common Council voted to end the use of Flock cameras. At that time, Smith said he would look into other license plate reader companies as a possible alternative to Flock.
“Finding the resources available is a challenge, but it’s not a challenge we couldn’t overcome,” said Smith.
About five residents spoke at Tuesday’s meeting.
“I want to voice support for the establishment of city technology in the use of surveillance technology, including ALPR [automated license plate readers],” said Cari Tetzlaff of Oshkosh. “I’d like to see policy established before we sign a contract for a new vendor or entertain the idea of a new ALPR contract.”
Added Tanner Mann of Oshkosh, “I hope what we hear tonight is a need for establishing a strong, rigorous ordinance on this technology before engaging with a new vendor on ALPR technology.”
The city has no timeline as to when new cameras would be installed. Smith said the first step will be finding an independent cybersecurity expert, and the commission will proceed after that.
Last month, Appleton announced it would end its contract with Flock.
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