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AI license plate cameras tore this town apart and led to a state of emergency

The Washington Post · The Washington Post Staff · May 17, 2026

Troy, NY Mayor Carmella Mantello declared a state of emergency to keep Flock Safety cameras operational after the city council defunded the $156,000 contract it argued was never legally authorized. The dispute escalated to litigation, with the council suing to overturn the mayor's declaration in a precedent-setting fight over executive authority and police surveillance procurement.

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