GoKawiilFlock Safety keeps cameras running at Illinois college after contract cancellation
Elgin Community College sought to end its contract with Flock Safety and began covering the company's surveillance cameras with trash bags and zip ties to stop them recording. According to facilities director Heinrich, unmarked vehicles believed to belong to Flock repeatedly removed the coverings during routine servicing visits, leading to a prolonged standoff between the school and the vendor.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The dispute highlights friction that can arise when institutions try to exit contracts for surveillance infrastructure that remains physically installed on their property. It raises questions, not yet resolved in the account given, about who has authority over hardware once a customer attempts to terminate service, and could fuel broader concerns about accountability in the growing automated license-plate-reader and camera surveillance industry.
- Elgin Community College attempted to cancel its contract with Flock Safety.
- Staff repeatedly covered Flock cameras, which were then uncovered by apparent Flock personnel.
- The incident underscores unresolved questions about customer control over installed surveillance equipment.
Source: theverge.com — Terrence O'Brien, 2026-10-11
Published there as: “A college in Illinois tried to cancel its Flock contact and it refused”
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