City says license plate reader program no longer aligns with investment, public safety approach
GRANTS, N.M. – The City of Grants will discontinue its agreement with Flock Safety for automated license plate reader camera services, marking a significant shift for a public safety technology program that had been used by the Grants Police Department in vehiclerelated investigations.
In a public service announcement, the city said it made the decision after “careful consideration and research,” determining that the benefits of the cameras did not sufficiently align with the investment required or with the City’s overall mission and approach to public safety and security.
“We would like to thank the residents and community members who brought valuable information and research regarding these devices to our attention,” the city wrote in their notice.
Grants Police Chief Maxine Monte also confirmed the decision in a statement to the Cibola Citizen.
“The safety and security of our citizens and our community has been, and will continue to be, our top priority,” Monte wrote in a text message. “After meeting with the City Manager and the City’s Technology Manager, and reviewing the current Flock Safety camera program, we mutually agreed that discontinuing the existing Flock services is the appropriate step at this time.”
Chief Monte said the decision will allow the city to assess current and future public safety needs and consider other technology solutions that may provide security and investigative capabilities for the community.
“The Grants Police Department remains committed to using responsible law enforcement practices and appropriate technology to enhance public safety while maintaining the trust of the citizens we serve,” Chief Monte wrote.
What is a Flock Camera?
Flock Safety cameras are automated license plate reader systems that capture vehicle information and alert law enforcement when a plate is associated with certain law enforcement databases, such as stolen vehicle or wanted person alerts. Supporters of the technology say it can help police locate stolen vehicles, suspects and missing people more quickly. Critics have raised concerns about privacy, data sharing, retention policies, public transparency and how much information is collected on drivers who are not suspected of any crime.
Publicly available City of Grants records show the city previously approved spending tied to Flock camera services. In 2024, city materials showed approval of a Grants Police Department for purchase of four Flock cameras for $24,800. In 2025, city materials showed approval of a two-year Flock Safety renewal contract for $24,000.
Those records indicate at least $48,800 in approved spending tied to the Grants Flock program.
The local discussion comes as New Mexico has adopted new statewide rules for automated license plate reader information.
The Driver Privacy and Safety Act, which took effect July 1, places restrictions on how automated license plate reader data may be shared, including limits related to immigration enforcement, out-of-state access and non-law-enforcement entities. The law also treats automated license plate reader information as confidential under the state public records framework, restricting the public’s access to the data.
Flock Safety’s own public materials state that its standard data retention period is 30 days by default, though local contracts, settings and state laws can affect how systems are used and governed.
Due to press deadline the Citizen was not able to learn when the cameras will come down and will update when that information becomes available.