Status: Des Moines has documented Flock camera activity as of August 2026 — details below, each
linked to its public source.
What's happening in Des Moines
Aug 2026
Iowa communities — including Des Moines — reported pushback against Flock cameras, including vandalism Des Moines Register
Background
Des Moines is Iowa's capital. The pushback there reflects a national trend documented across the Midwest in August 2026.
What you can do in Des Moines
- Ask your city or county whether it uses Flock cameras and how long data is retained.
- File a public records request for the ALPR policy or Flock contract.
- Check council meeting agendas — that's where camera agreements get 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: damaging or stealing cameras is a crime — the pushback that changes policy is legal:
council votes, public records requests and legislation.
Are there Flock cameras in Des Moines?
Reporting confirms Flock camera activity in Des Moines (see timeline above). For the full
list of locations, ask your city for its contract — and check the
state tracker for what's documented.
How long is my plate data kept in Des Moines?
Retention is set by local policy and state law — see
how long Flock cameras store data.