Verra Mobility Accused of Scrubbing Ties to Surveillance Firm Flock

Verra Mobility, a key vendor for New York City's automated traffic enforcement systems and holder of a $1 billion contract, is facing accusations of attempting to obscure its relationship with Flock Safety, a firm known for its surveillance technology.

Until recently, Verra Mobility was listed as a partner on Flock's website, with the two companies collaborating on bids for contracts as late as 2025. A description on Flock's site stated, "Verra Mobility provides automated traffic enforcement systems. Integration with Flock Safety’s platform helps communities enforce road safety more effectively." This statement has since been removed.

Verra Mobility had also previously promoted its connection with Flock when bidding for traffic enforcement systems in Florida. For instance, in April 2025, when seeking a contract for a school-zone speed camera system in Greenacres, Florida, Verra mentioned its integration with Flock and other data providers. However, a Verra representative recently stated that the company has ceased these Flock-involved bids and insisted that their hardware has never been integrated with Flock's systems.

This situation arises amidst growing public concern and outcry in various localities over Flock cameras, fueled by worries that the company may be assisting federal immigration authorities or enabling potential abuses of power by law enforcement.

Verra Mobility has stated that its five-year contract with New York City for automated enforcement cameras stipulates that the city's Department of Transportation owns all data collected, prohibiting its sharing with third parties like Flock. The company's hardware has never been integrated with Flock's systems.

State Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, chair of the Assembly Consumer Protection Committee, emphasized the need for transparency from companies utilizing surveillance technology. "When companies use technology to monitor our streets, transparency and accountability should be non-negotiable," Rozic said. "If a vendor is removing information about its practices, that raises questions that deserve clear answers."

Rozic and other state lawmakers are planning a hearing in Albany next month to discuss potential regulations for license-plate readers. Several municipalities upstate, including Syracuse and Ithaca, have either canceled their contracts with Flock or opted not to renew them.

"I hope our upcoming hearing will tackle these concerns and help strike the right balance: deploying technology responsibly, protecting New Yorkers’ privacy, and ensuring appropriate oversight," Rozic added.

Other traffic enforcement firms, such as Sensys Gatso, Altumint, and Redspeed, also appear to have been removed from Flock's website. A representative for Flock did not respond to requests for comment.