Elgin has moved from a temporary pause to a formal end of its relationship with Flock Safety. City Council voted on Oct. 13, 2026 to end the city's association with the company and its automated license-plate reader camera system.

The decision is separate from the earlier action taken by the Elgin Police Department. On Sept. 2, Police Chief Chris Noble announced that officers would pause use of the Flock Safety system while elected officials considered whether the city should resume or cancel the program.

What Changed Between September and October

The Sept. 2 pause stopped police use of the system while the policy question remained unresolved. The Oct. 13 council action went further by directing the city to end its association with Flock Safety.

Chief Noble Said the Cameras Had Investigative Value

In his Sept. 2 letter, Noble said the system had been useful in investigations involving violent and property crimes. He also said the police department maintained strict oversight through audits, limited access, policy controls and supervisory review.

Noble also acknowledged public mistrust surrounding how automated license-plate reader data can be used, stored and shared. He wrote that concerns about practices elsewhere in law enforcement had damaged public confidence in the technology.

Elgin's System Included City-funded and Grant-funded Cameras

Noble's September letter said Elgin's Flock Safety network included 13 cameras funded through the city's general fund and 12 cameras plus a mobile trailer funded through the Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority.

At the time of the pause, Noble said state funding decisions affecting Flock Safety cameras were also part of the reason he believed elected officials should determine whether the system should continue.

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Residents can read the City of Elgin's Oct. 15 council recap and the Sept. 2 letter from Police Chief Chris Noble for the city's full statements.

By Johnny Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Johnny Krenek has been connected to community news since childhood, growing up alongside the family business his parents founded, Krenek Printing. Today, he serves as Vice President and lead developer for My Neighborhood News, where he drives the digital experience and supports the team across a variety of technical and operational roles. He is passionate about building tools that help connect neighbors and strengthen communities.

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