Cities Challenge Flock Safety's License Plate Readers Amid Privacy Concerns
In Dayton, Ohio, city workers have covered Flock Safety's automated license plate readers with trash bags, symbolizing a growing conflict over surveillance technology. The Atlanta-based company's devices have faced backlash from residents, local officials, and privacy advocates across the U.S. The controversy in Dayton arose after an internal police review revealed 'egregious violations' of city policy, including numerous immigration-related search requests. Flock Safety maintains that its data-sharing practices comply with federal law and warns that removing the technology could impact public safety. The company cites examples from other cities where crime rates reportedly increased when the cameras were not in use. Despite these claims, the debate over the use of such surveillance technology continues, with some cities reconsidering or canceling contracts with Flock due to concerns over data access and sharing. 
