Status
Resolution passed unanimously Sept. 24, 2026 — calls on Pennsylvania lawmakers to ban Flock cameras statewide or pass strong guardrails.
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Philadelphia City Council passes resolution calling for statewide Flock ban or guardrails
Philadelphia City Council unanimously passed a resolution on Sept. 24, 2026, calling on Pennsylvania state lawmakers to either ban Flock Safety automatic license plate reader cameras statewide or pass strong guardrails for their use. The resolution was authored by Councilmember Rue Landau.
What the resolution does
The resolution passed unanimously at the Sept. 24, 2026 council meeting. It calls on the Pennsylvania state legislature to act — either by banning Flock Safety ALPR cameras statewide or by passing strong guardrails governing their use. The resolution was authored by Councilmember Rue Landau.
A council resolution is a formal statement of position. It does not itself ban or restrict cameras — it calls on another body to act. The cameras continue to operate unless and until state law changes or a separate local ordinance is passed.
State-level context
Governor Josh Shapiro has said he would welcome legislation banning the devices, according to NBC10 Philadelphia. Some Pennsylvania lawmakers are already considering regulation of ALPR cameras.
NBC10 reported that more than 300 Flock and other ALPR cameras operate within 10 miles of Center City Philadelphia. In early October 2026, NBC10 also reported that some Philadelphia-area police departments have begun removing Flock cameras over privacy concerns.
What happens next
The resolution directs the call to Harrisburg. Whether the Pennsylvania legislature acts — and on what timeline — is not determined by the council vote. The cameras in and around Philadelphia continue to operate in the meantime.
You can browse camera locations reported in Pennsylvania on the Pennsylvania state camera map.
What this means for residents
The council resolution does not change how cameras operate today. Flock cameras in Philadelphia and surrounding municipalities continue to collect license plate data under existing contracts. Residents who want to know whether a specific camera is active should check with the relevant agency or submit a public records request.
If the Pennsylvania legislature passes a ban or guardrails bill, the effect would depend on what the legislation requires — a ban would end contracts statewide, while guardrails could impose retention limits, audit requirements, or restrictions on data sharing. Neither outcome is guaranteed by the council resolution alone.
Pennsylvania on our map
Community-reported camera locations in Pennsylvania are shown on the Flock Locations map. Pins are labeled Community Confirmed or 3rd Party / Unconfirmed based on how they were submitted. The map does not reflect any official camera inventory.
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Frequently asked questions
What did Philadelphia City Council pass?
On Sept. 24, 2026, Philadelphia City Council unanimously passed a resolution authored by Councilmember Rue Landau calling on Pennsylvania state lawmakers to either ban Flock Safety automatic license plate reader cameras statewide or pass strong guardrails for their use.
Is a resolution the same as a ban?
No. A council resolution is a formal statement of position — it calls on another body (in this case, the Pennsylvania state legislature) to act. It does not itself ban or restrict Flock cameras. The cameras continue to operate unless and until state law changes or a separate local ordinance is passed.
What has Governor Shapiro said?
According to NBC10 Philadelphia, Governor Josh Shapiro has said he would welcome legislation banning the devices.
Are Pennsylvania lawmakers considering regulation?
Yes. According to coverage of the Sept. 24 council meeting, some Pennsylvania lawmakers are already considering regulation of ALPR cameras.
How many ALPR cameras are near Philadelphia?
NBC10 reported that more than 300 Flock and other ALPR cameras operate within 10 miles of Center City Philadelphia.
Are Philadelphia-area police departments removing Flock cameras?
NBC10 reported in early October 2026 that some Philadelphia-area police departments have begun removing Flock cameras over privacy concerns.
Where can I find Flock cameras reported in Pennsylvania?
Community-reported locations across Pennsylvania are shown on the Pennsylvania state camera map. Pins are labeled Community Confirmed or 3rd Party / Unconfirmed based on how they were submitted. The map does not reflect any official camera inventory.
Sources
- NBC10 Philadelphia — Philadelphia City Council resolution on Flock Safety cameras (Sept. 24, 2026)
- 6abc Action News — Philadelphia council calls for Flock Safety camera ban or guardrails (Sept. 24, 2026)
- CBS Philadelphia — Philadelphia council passes Flock Safety resolution (Sept. 24, 2026)
- PhillyVoice — Philadelphia council resolution on Flock Safety cameras (Sept. 2026)