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The Columbus Dispatch The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio GOP lawmaker wants to ban most Flock camera surveillance

Ohio GOP lawmaker wants to ban most Flock camera surveillance

As local leaders pause Flock camera programs over concerns about mass surveillance, a Republican lawmaker wants to ban most of them.
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Congressman Thomas Massie Introduces 'Flock-Off Act' to Restrict Federal Funding for Surveillance Cameras

Congressman Thomas Massie Introduces 'Flock-Off Act' to Restrict Federal Funding for Surveillance Cameras

Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie has introduced House Resolution 10221, known as the 'Flock-Off Act,' aimed at prohibiting federal funding for real-time surveillance cameras, including those manufactured by Flock. The bill seeks to prevent state, local, and tribal governments from using federal funds to purchase, install, maintain, or operate such surveillance systems. This includes AI-augmented automated license plate readers and biometric cameras, as well as associated contracts, subscriptions, and data-sharing services. Massie stated that the federal government should not provide security grants to entities that turn communities into a 'version of 1984' by surveilling law-abiding citizens. The proposed legislation mandates that federal agencies remove federally funded camera systems and gives state and local agencies 180 days to disable their systems or risk losing federal program funding. Exceptions are made for cameras used for toll enforcement and those within one mile of the U.S. northern and sout...
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Dallas City Council Considers Cutting $1.5 Million for Flock Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns

Dallas City Council Considers Cutting $1.5 Million for Flock Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns

The Dallas City Council is currently evaluating a proposal to eliminate $1.5 million in funding for Flock cameras, a move that could lead to the termination of the city's contract for the license plate reader technology. Councilman Adam Bazaldua introduced an amendment to this effect, citing concerns about privacy and the potential for agencies outside Dallas to access the city's data without sufficient oversight. This consideration follows a recent order from Governor Greg Abbott for state agencies to cease funding Flock cameras, which has already resulted in 321 of Dallas's 684 cameras being slated for deactivation within two weeks. The Dallas Police Department (DPD) has highlighted the effectiveness of Flock cameras, attributing them to solving 13% of business robbery cases and 12 homicides this year. Residents like Azael Alvarez acknowledge the reported effectiveness but emphasize the need to address privacy concerns.
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ACU Police Department Deploys Flock Cameras, Emphasizing Limited Data Retention and No Real-Time Surveillance

ACU Police Department Deploys Flock Cameras, Emphasizing Limited Data Retention and No Real-Time Surveillance

The ACU Police Department (ACUPD) has installed four Flock cameras, which are automated license plate readers, at the main intersections surrounding the campus. These cameras, manufactured by Flock, are owned by the university and maintained by ACUPD. ACUPD Chief Jason Ellis stated that the system is not designed for real-time monitoring and does not include facial recognition or capture images of vehicle interiors. The cameras record license plate numbers, vehicle make, model, color, distinguishing features, and the date, time, and location of passage. This data is retained for 30 days before automatic deletion, with the exception of search logs. An internal 'hot list' feature allows for automatic alerts if a flagged license plate (e.g., associated with a stolen vehicle or criminal trespass order) crosses a camera. Lieutenant Matthew Fox highlighted the security of ACU’s NEXT Lab, which houses an advanced nuclear reactor, as a key driver for the camera installation, aiming to identify unauthorized individ...
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Greenville Police Department Halts Flock Camera Rollout Following Community Privacy Concerns

Greenville Police Department Halts Flock Camera Rollout Following Community Privacy Concerns

The Greenville Police Department (GPD) has decided to abandon its plans to implement Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. This decision came after significant feedback from the community, City Council, and the City Manager’s Office, which raised concerns about privacy and data access. In early July, GPD had announced intentions to purchase and install 10 Flock cameras along major entry and exit routes of the city to assist in crime solving, vehicle recovery, and locating missing persons. However, none of these cameras were installed. The reversal follows a packed City Council meeting on August 24, where numerous residents voiced opposition to the technology. Jeanette Doran, Chief Legal Officer at the John Locke Foundation, supported Greenville's decision, emphasizing that while the cameras can aid law enforcement, the routine recording of thousands of innocent people's movements presents fundamental surveillance and privacy issues.
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Pinellas County Sheriff Defends Flock Cameras Amid State Removal Order

Pinellas County Sheriff Defends Flock Cameras Amid State Removal Order

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri is publicly defending the use of Flock cameras, also known as automated license plate readers (ALPRs), despite a state order for their removal from state roads within the month. Some agencies in the Tampa Bay area are discontinuing their use of these devices entirely. Sheriff Gualtieri stated that his agency has utilized ALPRs for two decades and clarified that the 73 Flock cameras in Pinellas County only capture still photographs when a car passes, not continuous video or surveillance. He emphasized that these cameras have been instrumental in solving cases involving abducted children and vehicle thefts. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) issued the removal order due to concerns about an 'exponential increase in deployments coupled with concerning reports of misuse, data privacy concerns and surveillance schemes.'
Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati Enquirer
Hamilton County sheriff to discuss agency's use of Flock cameras

Hamilton County sheriff to discuss agency's use of Flock cameras

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office is holding a press conference at 2 p.m. to discuss its use of license-plate reader cameras.
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Palm Beach County Halts Flock Camera Expansion Amid Privacy Concerns

Palm Beach County Halts Flock Camera Expansion Amid Privacy Concerns

Palm Beach County has paused the issuance of new permits for automated Flock cameras on county roads, following a decision by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to remove these cameras from state right-of-ways. County commissioners voted to halt new permits and demanded answers from the sheriff's office regarding data retention practices. Commissioner Joel Flores described the license plate reader cameras as an 'intrusive, mass surveillance network,' emphasizing the need to balance public safety with individual rights. While some commissioners, like Maria Sachs, acknowledge the public safety benefits of these cameras, others, including Gregg K. Weiss, expressed deep unease about data ownership, access, retention, and the potential for data to be sold to third parties. Flock Safety operates a nationwide network of these cameras, which record license plates and vehicle characteristics, with data accessible to thousands of law enforcement agencies across 49 states. The county plans to hold a publ...
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Milwaukee Tightens Regulations on Flock Automatic License Plate Reader Cameras Amid Oversight Concerns

Milwaukee Tightens Regulations on Flock Automatic License Plate Reader Cameras Amid Oversight Concerns

Milwaukee is implementing stricter regulations on the use of Flock automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. This decision comes in response to increasing calls from elected leaders for greater oversight and restrictions on these surveillance technologies. The move reflects growing concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of data collected by ALPR systems. While the specific details of the tightened regulations were not fully elaborated, the emphasis is on enhancing accountability and ensuring that the deployment and operation of these cameras align with public expectations and legal frameworks. This action by Milwaukee is part of a broader statewide discussion in Wisconsin regarding the appropriate balance between public safety and individual privacy in the context of advanced surveillance tools.
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Fort Wayne Police Department Discontinues Use of Flock License Plate Reader Technology

Fort Wayne Police Department Discontinues Use of Flock License Plate Reader Technology

The Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) has officially discontinued its use of Flock License Plate Reader technology. This decision follows careful consideration and discussions between the FWPD Chief and Mayor Tucker, particularly after the City Council voted against approving a proposed Flock contract. While the FWPD Chief initially explored options for a smaller contract to retain some cameras, the federal government authorized an early closure of the grant that initially funded the program without penalty. The Chief acknowledged the technology's value as an investigative tool, citing its use in developing leads, locating vehicles involved in criminal activity, recovering stolen vehicles, finding missing persons, and assisting in serious criminal investigations. However, the department ultimately prioritized maintaining community trust and the relationship with elected leaders over the continued use of this specific technology.
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Florida DOT Orders License Plate Readers Removed From State Highway Rights-of-Way

Florida DOT Orders License Plate Readers Removed From State Highway Rights-of-Way

Florida's Department of Transportation (DOT) has revoked all permits for vehicle license plate reader systems, including those from companies like Flock Safety, located within the right-of-way of state highway roads. This decision comes in response to an "exponential increase" in deployments and a rise in reports concerning the misuse of these surveillance systems. Will Watts, the chief operating officer and assistant secretary of Transportation, stated in a memo that the DOT will cease issuing new permits for such systems under its jurisdiction. Local law enforcement agencies, which had previously received approvals for these readers, are now required to remove them within 30 days. If not removed by the specified deadline, the DOT will undertake the removal itself. This action follows recent incidents where law enforcement officers in other states, such as Massachusetts and Louisiana, were fired or faced criminal charges for allegedly misusing Flock systems to obtain information on individuals they knew. ...
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Bipartisan Concerns Mount Over Misuse of Flock Safety AI Cameras

Bipartisan Concerns Mount Over Misuse of Flock Safety AI Cameras

Bipartisan scrutiny is intensifying regarding the misuse of Flock Safety cameras, which are artificial intelligence-powered license plate readers. The technology, while touted by supporters as an invaluable law enforcement tool, has drawn criticism following incidents such as a Kentucky police officer allegedly misusing the cameras to track his ex-girlfriend over 2,000 times. U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) publicly stated that such surveillance occurred without a warrant or probable cause. Similarly, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has called for an end to 'AI MASS SURVEILLANCE,' specifically naming Flock Safety. Former Department of Homeland Security official Juliette Kayyem noted that these systems collect extensive information unrelated to specific crimes, creating searchable databases for law enforcement. Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed also highlighted the proliferation of this technology as a campaign issue. In response to these concerns, a Flock Safety spokesperson indicated t...