Auburn, Maine Could Remove AI Cameras After Budget Shortfall

Auburn could soon shut down its AI-powered license plate reader cameras as city leaders weigh whether to keep funding the system.

The cameras, operated by Flock Safety, were installed last August using federal grant money. Auburn Mayor Jeffrey Harmon says that funding is now running out, and the city may not have room in its upcoming budget to continue the program.

“There’ll be more discussion over the next year of tools such as this,” Harmon said. “It’s really just about the money.”

Auburn currently has seven cameras in operation, costing about $24,000 to install and maintain. If the budget passes as proposed, the system will be discontinued when the grant expires later this summer.

Supporters, including Auburn Police Chief Jason Moen, say the technology has been effective. The cameras capture still images of passing vehicles — not video — and can identify license plates, along with a vehicle’s make, model, and color.

Moen says the system has already helped solve around 20 cases, including locating suspects and missing persons, and significantly reduces the time officers spend reviewing footage.

The department also says the system does not use facial recognition and deletes collected data after 21 days.

Still, privacy advocates are raising concerns. Electronic Privacy Information Center argues the cameras can track people’s movements without warrants, potentially infringing on the privacy of law-abiding residents.

City officials say the discussion isn’t over. Even if funding is cut for now, Auburn could revisit the technology in the future — either by finding new funding sources or exploring other camera systems.

Auburn is one of several Maine communities using this type of technology, alongside Lewiston, Falmouth, South Portland, and York.