Michigan Police's $127,500 AI camera deal exposed; never installed, students raise privacy concerns

The University of Michigan Police Department (UMPD) signed a $127,500 contract with surveillance technology company Flock Safety to acquire automated licence plate reader cameras, but the equipment was never installed or put into use, according to records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

The revelation has raised fresh questions about the university's surveillance plans, data privacy and the growing use of automated monitoring technology on American campuses.According to a report by The Michigan Daily, the agreement was signed on February 3, 2025, by Jennifer Carr, a University of Michigan procurement agent, on behalf of the police department.

Mark Smith, Flock Safety's general counsel, signed the contract for the company.