Fitchburg police looking at new technology

July 17, 2026 - 11:57

FITCHBURG, Wis. -- About a month after cutting ties with Flock Safety, the city's police department is now searching for a replacement for the controversial license plate monitoring system. The decision to end the contract came after ongoing debates over privacy concerns and the effectiveness of the automated plate readers.

Police Chief Chad Brecklin confirmed that the department is actively evaluating new technology to assist in crime prevention and investigations. He emphasized that any new system would need to balance public safety with civil liberties. "We are looking at options that provide the necessary tools for our officers while respecting the privacy of our residents," Brecklin said.

The city council had previously voted to discontinue the Flock Safety contract following complaints from community members who argued that the constant surveillance was an overreach. Critics said the system collected data on all vehicles, not just those linked to criminal activity.

Now, officials are considering a more targeted approach. Potential replacements could include systems that only activate when a vehicle is reported stolen or tied to a specific crime. The police department plans to hold public meetings to gather input before making a final decision. No timeline has been set for the rollout of new technology.