Flock starts to give campaign cash to local politicians

Flock Safety, the Atlanta company whose license-plate readers are widely used by law enforcement around Chicago, has begun donating to local politicians whose agencies use its technology. Cicero Town President Larry Dominick’s campaign received $6,000 from Flock between 2021 and 2025; Cicero has 31 cameras. A town spokesperson said the cameras have helped solve hundreds of crimes and would be used regardless of the donations. Flock also gave $500 in 2024 to Dan Jungles, an unsuccessful candidate for Will County sheriff, whose department uses 25 readers. Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg’s campaign received $1,000 in 2025, after the county authorized buying 15 cameras; three are installed. Idleburg said the donation came through sponsorship of his campaign golf outing and did not affect his official decisions. He won reelection after the cameras’ potential for abuse became a campaign issue.

The contributions raise questions about the relationship between a surveillance-technology vendor and public officials responsible for agencies that buy or use its products. Flock cameras can help locate missing people, stolen vehicles and suspects, but their spread has also fueled civil-liberties concerns. Election records show the company has given about $485,000 to Illinois state and local candidates and political causes since hiring a lobbying firm in early 2024; the firm’s employees and consultants gave another $14,000. Lobbyists and the company’s CEO have also participated in political fundraising beyond Illinois. Flock did not respond to requests for comment.