PRESS RELEASE: Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy Encourages Wilmington Residents to Stay Informed Following Decommissioning of Flock License Plate Cameras
August 5, 2026
Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy Encourages Wilmington Residents to Stay Informed Following Decommissioning of Flock License Plate Cameras
Wilmington, DE – As public discussion continues surrounding automated license plate reader technology in Delaware, Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy is encouraging Wilmington residents to rely on accurate information regarding the City of Wilmington’s decision to decommission its Flock Safety license plate reader cameras.
The City recently confirmed it is decommissioning the four Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras that had been donated to Wilmington. According to City officials, the decision was made in part because of the ongoing public discussion surrounding the technology and because the City does not have a contract with Flock Safety.
The decommissioning applies only to the City’s four donated Flock cameras. Wilmington continues to utilize other automated license plate reader technology from different vendors as part of public safety operations.
Automated license plate readers capture images of vehicle license plates and vehicle characteristics, such as make, model, color, time and location. Unlike red-light or speed enforcement cameras, ALPRs do not issue traffic citations. Law enforcement agencies have used the technology to assist with investigations involving stolen vehicles, hit-and-run crashes, violent crimes and missing persons.
In recent months, ALPR technology has received increased national and statewide attention as privacy advocates have raised concerns about data collection, data sharing and oversight. Civil liberties organizations have called for additional safeguards and legislative standards governing how the technology is used, while many law enforcement agencies have maintained that the systems are valuable investigative tools when used with appropriate accountability measures.
City officials have also reiterated that the City of Wilmington does not participate in immigration enforcement.
Councilwoman McCoy said Wilmington residents deserve factual, transparent communication as conversations about public safety technology continue.
“Our residents deserve clear information about decisions that affect our community,” said Councilwoman McCoy. “As this issue receives increased public attention, it is important that Wilmington drivers understand what has changed, what has not changed, and that we continue to have open conversations centered on transparency and accountability.”
Councilwoman McCoy encourages residents to stay informed through official City communications as additional information becomes available and as discussions continue regarding the future use and oversight of public safety technology in Delaware.
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COMMUNITY AND MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Yesenia TaverasDirector of Communications
Wilmington City CouncilOffice: (302)576-2585
Email: ytaveras@wilmingtonde.gov