Oakland County Approves Flock Drone Contract, Residents Speak Until Nearly Midnight Against It

(Crystal A. Proxmire, April 9, 2026)

Oakland County, MI – Scores of people came to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners to speak in opposition to the approval of a contract with Flock Safety for drone services to be used by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. However, they had to wait until after the vote was taken because Commissioners moved the public comment portion to the end of the meeting. The meeting lasted from 6pm until nearly midnight as people voiced their opposition even though the decision had been made.

The contract has 9 months of free service. If approved after the trial run, years two and three would cost $1,250,000 per year, for a contract total of $2,500,000. The contract includes 7 drones, plus a Flock911 system. The system automatically launches drones in response to 911 calls, with the drone geo-locating the origin of the calls.

Flock advertises that users can “launch a drone the moment a call comes in so officers and dispatchers see what is happening and respond with confidence.” They boast the drones can reach callers more quickly than officers on the ground, and an 89% increase in subjects located.

While the drones are intended to help solve crimes, provide information in dangerous situations, and find lost individuals, they also raise concerns about privacy and about how data is used.

Ann Layman of Davisburg was among those who spoke, saying that drones in the sky “creates a chilling effect, especially for immigrants who fear ICE.” Mary Ellen Scott echoed those sentiments, stating “When racism becomes immigration policy, we know that Flock cameras will be used against our neighbors and ourselves.”

Angela Lippard of Ferndale said that “Flock as a business has shown itself to be an untrustworthy partner,” noting that the company’s license plate reading technology contracts have been cancelled in multiple cities, including Ferndale. “There are far more responsible, ethical, and effective ways to use our tax dollars… Please use our fund to support our vulnerable neighbors not to increase Flock’s profits.”

Raymond Salts of Waterford shared concerns that technology is used for tracking activists, and that cameras perpetuate bias in the criminal justice system.

Others spoke about the ease with which cameras can be hacked, or the potential for members of law enforcement to use the drones in inappropriate ways. Parents shared not wanting their children to be on camera while playing in their yards. And others worried about how footage might be shared and used.

“You’re gonna be out on your boat, picking your nose, and that’s gonna be on camera,” said Ursula Carmine.

Oakland County Times reached out to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office prior to the meeting, to address concerns about the drones. The department has used drones for over four years.

Public Information Officer Stephen Huber shared “Drones are not used for surveillance. They are used for responding to specific calls and incidents. We have a transparency dashboard where every drone as first responder flight is listed, what the call was for, and the route it took.

“We have a very specific privacy policy to protect the public from even accidental intrusion by requiring that the camera be turned up towards the sky as the drone returns to base after completing a call for service.

“They aren’t a surveillance tool for a variety of reasons beyond policy reasons, including the very short flight duration capability, and the low altitude from which they are required to fly. We have been doing drones as first responders for over four years without a problem or complaint.”

Board Chairperson Dave Woodward shared before the meeting that the drones “are a tool to help save lives.” In one recent example, OCSO used drone technology during the active shooter response at Temple Israel a month ago to search the area for additional suspects. “Drones can cover more area. They can get places that cars just can’t. And they can respond very quickly to access a situation so first responders know what they are going into,” he said.

Others in public comment spoke about the cost, and how the $2.5 million could be invested elsewhere. Renis Nushaj of Troy said the money could build 4-10 miles of roads, or plant 4,000 tress.

In addition to Flock itself, speakers were frustrated at not having been able to comment before the vote.

“We came here expecting to be listened to,” said Susan Matthews of Commerce Township. “But we are treated like an inconvenience.”

“You do not give a single shit about anything any of us have to say,” Anna Phillips of Madison Heights said.

Four commissioners voted against the contract – Charlie Cavell, Ann Erickson Gault, Kristin Nelson, and Yolanda Smith-Charles.

When asked about his no vote, Cavell told Oakland County Times “In a democracy, politicians are supposed to fear angering their constituents. Tonight, by passing the Flock resolution we made constituents scared of their government. That is not democracy.”

Learn more about the Oakland County Board of Commissioners at https://www.oakgov.com/government/board-of-commissioners