Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi and Sheriff Kirk Imperati announced the change on Friday, Sept. 25, saying they reached the decision after lengthy discussions about the feedback they received from residents.
“We listened to the questions that were asked and the concerns that were raised,” Parisi said, adding, “After those discussions, we agreed that the appropriate response is to listen to our community and change course.”
The decision marks a reversal for the two officials, who had supported the technology as a tool for law enforcement to protect residents and investigate serious crimes.
Imperati said he still believes properly regulated license plate reader technology can help investigators locate dangerous offenders and missing people, recover stolen vehicles, and investigate serious crimes. However, he said the concerns voiced by residents outweighed continuing the program.
“Public safety depends on public trust. We cannot lose sight of that," Imperati said.
Flock technology and the broader use of license plate readers were part of the county's public-safety efforts surrounding its Analysis and Real Time Crime Intelligence Center, according to Parisi and Imperati. Dutchess County's 2026 adopted budget also includes funding for Flock technology, according to county documents.
Parisi said officials had publicly explained the initiative, established a transparency website, met with municipal leaders and community members, and invited residents to question how the technology was being used.
The decision does not immediately spell the end of the technology in Dutchess County. Parisi and Imperati said they will work with appropriate county officials on the steps needed to discontinue its use, including addressing existing operational and contractual obligations.
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