Eugene and Springfield Remove License Plate Cameras, Citing Data Concerns
Eugene Police terminated its contract with Flock Safety on December 5, 2025, after concluding the vendor's system had vulnerabilities and limitations that failed to meet operational, data security and community expectations. Less than an hour later Springfield announced it would remove or cover its Flock cameras, steps that matter locally because the systems were funded with state grants and had drawn growing public concern over privacy and transparency.
On December 5, 2025 the Eugene Police Department immediately terminated its contract with Flock Safety, citing identified vulnerabilities and limitations in the vendor system that the department concluded did not meet its operational, data security or community expectations. Eugene had signed a two year, $342,000 contract for 57 Flock cameras earlier in 2025 and installation began in May. Less than an hour after Eugene announced the termination, Springfield police said they would remove or cover their Flock cameras as well. Springfield had planned for 25 cameras.
Both agencies said automatic license plate reader technology can be a valuable investigative tool but that any system must meet high standards for privacy, data handling and reliability. Eugene said the decision followed further evaluation and internal discussion. Springfield said it lacked confidence the current system provided adequate control and assurance, and that it would seek ALPR options that better meet standards for transparency and data security. Both departments said they relied on state grants to pay for the systems.
Community concern and public testimony about the cameras privacy implications had mounted in recent months, a factor local officials cited as part of the broader reassessment. For residents the immediate changes will affect how law enforcement collects and retains vehicle location data, and pause the use of a network that had been active only since the spring installations. Investigative benefits tied to the cameras will be temporarily reduced while departments reassess technology and policy.
The decisions reflect a broader national and international debate over surveillance technology, data governance and civil liberties, where municipalities are weighing law enforcement utility against privacy protections and public trust. For Lane County that debate now turns to procurement policy, grant accountability and clearer rules on data access and retention. Springfield said it would look for systems that offer stronger assurances on transparency and security. Eugene indicated its evaluation process will guide any future use of automatic license plate readers. Residents interested in the topic should follow police updates as departments outline next steps and potential policy changes.
