Tell the Town Board to end Flock and take the cameras down.
The Town of Newburgh’s 56 Flock cameras record the plate, make and color of every car that passes them. The Board approved them at a 2024 workshop meeting with no public hearing, and the Police Chief has acknowledged that outside agencies searched them. The City of Newburgh has already voted to end its own use of Flock. The Town can too.
One of the Town’s Flock cameras, on South Plank Road near Union Avenue. Photo: De-Flock Newburgh, 2026.
What we’re asking for
End the Flock contract and take the cameras down.
The Police Chief has said the Town could end the program without owing more money. The contract renews on its own, two years at a time, unless either side gives notice at least 30 days before a term ends. And if the Town doesn’t budget the money, the agreement lets it end the contract with 30 days’ written notice, without penalty.
Hold a public hearing before voting on any similar technology.
Fifty-six cameras went up on our roads without a single public hearing. The next decision like this should start with one, and with public comment.
Where things stand
Town of Newburgh
Still running
The Town still pays Flock $175,000 a year for 58 devices: 56 cameras and 2 portable units. It has paid Flock $357,000 so far, across nine invoices. Radio Catskill reported the cameras were still in operation as of Oct. 14, 2026.City of Newburgh
Voted to end it
On Sept. 28, 2026, the City Council voted to end the City’s use of Flock and directed the City to stop routine use within 14 days. A written report on whether use has stopped is due within 60 days (Nov. 27), or as soon after as reasonably practicable. Until then, the City’s camera status isn’t confirmed.Orange County
Passed a law
On Nov. 5, 2026, the County Legislature voted 17 to 0 for Local Law No. 9 of 2026, which would bar plate readers that share data with outside networks from County roads and property. As of Nov. 7, we haven’t found a public record that the County Executive has signed it.
Fill the room at the next Town Board meeting
Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Town Hall Meeting Room, 1496 Route 300
Speak up at public comment
A full room is hard to ignore. Plan to stay for public comment, and bring a neighbor. Here’s what to say.
Can’t make it? Email the Town.
Open a ready-to-send email, add your name, and hit send. More on writing to the Town.
What neighbors ask
The City and the Town of Newburgh are separate governments, and each makes its own decisions about Flock. Every answer here links to the public record.
Who can search the Town’s cameras?
The Town’s own records show its Flock network has been shared with the Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center since May 1, 2024. At the Town’s public presentation on Oct. 29, 2026, the Police Chief acknowledged that agencies outside the Town had searched its camera database, including a Homeland Security Investigations search dated Jan. 13, 2025, Times Hudson Valley reported. Asked whether that search had helped deport someone, he said he didn’t know. He said the Town generally limits outside agencies to searching for a specific plate, with the Crime Analysis Center as the exception. On Oct. 13, the Town Attorney ruled that the Town must release the records of outside agencies that asked for or got access to Town data. As of Nov. 7, it hasn’t.
Where are the audits?
At the Oct. 29 presentation, the Police Chief said, “we are doing audits and audits have been done. And those audit logs are being released.” In response to our records requests, the Town has handed over search logs, which Flock calls audit logs, but no audit: no review of how the cameras are used, no findings and no search totals. When the Town marked records request 2026-00989 “filled” on Oct. 22, those were missing.
Can the Town end the contract?
Yes. At the Oct. 29 presentation, the Police Chief said the Town could discontinue the program without owing additional money, though he believed it would need to give 30 days’ notice, Times Hudson Valley reported. The contract renews on its own, two years at a time, unless either side gives notice at least 30 days before a term ends. And if the Town doesn’t budget the money, the agreement lets it end the contract “for non appropriation with thirty (30) days written notice without penalty or other cost.”
In the news
Town police weigh new safeguards for Flock cameras
The Chief acknowledged that outside agencies had searched the Town’s cameras, and said the department was weighing new limits.
Newburgh ends Flock camera contract, but Town still has 58 cameras
The City is getting out. The Town is keeping its cameras running.