South Carolina Debates ALPR Camera Use Amid Privacy Concerns and Vandalism
South Carolina is experiencing a growing backlash against the widespread use of Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs), commonly known as Flock cameras, despite their increasing deployment by law enforcement agencies. These AI-driven cameras continuously record and store vehicle movements, providing police with near real-time data on suspects, stolen vehicles, and missing persons. However, concerns about privacy and potential misuse have led to incidents of vandalism across the state, with cameras being damaged in multiple counties. Critics, including the ACLU South Carolina, argue that ALPRs are susceptible to abuse, citing instances of officers allegedly using them to track protesters, political opponents, and even domestic partners. Flock Safety, the primary provider, denies creating a national surveillance database and is implementing new security features, such as an Audit Assistance tool, to prevent misuse. 
