Flock Safety, a company specializing in license plate recognition technology, has initiated a voluntary employee separation program, offering severance packages to staff amidst a significant loss of customers and increasing public scrutiny. The program, announced internally on a Friday, allows employees until October 2 to apply, with decisions expected by October 9. Most accepted employees would depart by October 29, though some may be asked to stay for an additional one to three months.
The company's internal communication described the severance as "generous," roughly double its previous offers, and the "most generous" in Flock's history. It includes several months of health care coverage and an extended two-year window for exercising stock options, which is longer than the typical period for resigning employees. Some employees have reportedly received buyout offers in the tens of thousands of dollars.
This move comes as Flock Safety faces considerable backlash over its extensive network of license plate readers, which have raised privacy concerns and led to allegations of misuse. Reports indicate that dozens of cities have terminated or declined to renew contracts with Flock. In August alone, one advocacy group identified 93 city and county governments that severed ties with the company. The number of local governments dropping Flock in 2026 is approximately three times higher than the total for the preceding five years combined.
The company, founded in 2017, was valued at over $8 billion in a funding round that closed in April. However, sources familiar with the company suggest that the loss of contracts could impact revenue goals. Additionally, a wave of vandalism targeting Flock cameras has unexpectedly increased expenses. Without the voluntary buyouts, it is believed that the company would likely have to resort to layoffs.
Flock Safety has approximately 1,500 employees, and there is speculation that a significant number may opt for the severance package. The company has raised about $1.2 billion in venture capital, and some employees are considering the offer amid rumors that Flock might sell off parts or all of its business to remain solvent.
Flock's CEO, Garrett Langley, acknowledged in a podcast last month that the public backlash has significantly impacted internal morale, with employees questioning the criticism directed at the company.
Beyond its core license plate reader offering, Flock has been developing new products. Recent reports indicate the company has created AI-powered investigative software designed to identify drivers, find potential associates based on movement patterns, and search across police records and other data. Analysis of Flock's software has also revealed tools for continuously searching camera feeds for individuals matching written descriptions, and potential integrations with drones and other surveillance systems.
