Status: Minnesota accounts for more reported Flock camera incidents than any other state in
August 2026 — 20 cameras across three cities, including the total loss of Winona's network.
What's happening in Minnesota
Aug 2026
All 8 Flock cameras stolen in Winona — police still haven't located them, and the
thefts are described as part of a bigger nationwide pushback.
Fox9 ·
Post Bulletin
Aug 2026
6 cameras vandalized in Edina and 6 in Duluth — a man was charged in a related
case as similar incidents surfaced across the U.S.
StarTribune ·
Kansas City Star
Aug 2026
National coverage followed the Minnesota wave — the state became the symbol of the
Flock controversy.
NewsNation ·
Mashable
Why Minnesota matters
Three cities, 20 cameras, one charged suspect — Minnesota shows both how far the backlash has spread and how quickly it can move. For residents, the practical questions remain the same: who approved these cameras, how long is my plate data kept, and who can see it?
See the Winona city page for the full story, the live map for incident locations, and the ban tracker for policy actions.
Are Flock cameras legal in Minnesota?
There's no single national rule — ALPR law varies by state and city. Minnesota-specific legal status is being compiled from public records; in the meantime, ask your city or county for its ALPR policy and check our state tracker for updates.
Are Flock cameras legal in Minnesota?
There's no single national rule — ALPR law varies by state and city. Minnesota-specific legal status is being compiled from public records; in the meantime, ask your city or county for its ALPR policy and check our state tracker for updates.
How long is my plate data kept in Minnesota?
Retention is set by local policy and state law — see how long Flock cameras store data.
What you can do in Minnesota
- Ask your city or county about its Flock contract and data-retention policy.
- File a public records request for ALPR policies — Minnesota has an active records process for this.
- Bring the question to your city council; that's where these agreements are approved.
- Track policy actions nationwide on the ban tracker.
- Use the FOIA request generator to ask for the Flock contract, camera list and retention policy.
Legal note: stealing or vandalizing cameras is a crime — Minnesota has already charged a suspect.
The changes that stick are legal: council votes, contract cancellations and legislation.