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Wilmington Police Department Terminates Flock Safety Contract Amid Privacy Concerns

Wilmington Police Department Terminates Flock Safety Contract Amid Privacy Concerns

The Wilmington Police Department has announced the termination of its contract with Flock Safety, a company providing automatic license plate reading (ALPR) cameras. This decision comes in response to growing privacy concerns expressed by the community regarding the use of such surveillance technology. The department currently operates two cameras, one installed in March 2023 at Middlesex Avenue and Federal Street, and another in June 2024 on Main Street at Bridge Lane. Both cameras are slated for removal as soon as possible. The police department stated that while ALPR cameras have been instrumental in investigations, community privacy concerns and questions about Flock Safety's data usage now outweigh the continued deployment of the equipment. The department anticipates receiving a $2,500 refund due to the early termination of the contract, which was originally set to expire on February 27, 2027. Wilmington joins at least 31 other Massachusetts municipalities that have either canceled or paused their use...

Kemmerer Surveillance Cameras Spark Privacy Debate Amidst Misinformation

Kemmerer Surveillance Cameras Spark Privacy Debate Amidst Misinformation

The city of Kemmerer, Wyoming, is embroiled in a privacy debate following the installation of new surveillance cameras, which were mistakenly identified on social media as 'Flock cameras.' This misidentification led to public outcry and concerns about police surveillance and personal privacy. Kemmerer Police Chief Michael Kahre clarified that the cameras are standard surveillance devices, similar to those used by businesses and schools, and are not part of the Flock Safety system or equipped with automated license-plate reader technology. Mayor Robert Bowen stated that the city had already purchased the cameras and that they do not collect data, are not routinely monitored in real-time, and lack artificial intelligence or facial recognition capabilities. Town Attorney Jason Petri provided a legal opinion to the city council, asserting that the cameras do not violate residents' privacy rights, citing U.S. Supreme Court decisions on the expectation of privacy in public places. The cameras were funded by indu...

Two Peachtree City Officers Removed After Flock Safety Audit Reveals Misconduct

Two Peachtree City Officers Removed After Flock Safety Audit Reveals Misconduct

Two officers from the Peachtree City Police Department in metro Atlanta have been removed from service following an internal audit of the department's use of Flock Safety technology. The audit uncovered two distinct incidents involving the misuse of this technology. Each instance was independently flagged, leading to an immediate referral to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) for an independent criminal investigation. The Peachtree City Police Department confirmed that both officers involved are no longer employed by the department. The GBI has acknowledged that an investigation is underway but has not released specific details regarding the individuals under investigation or the nature of the misconduct.

ACLU of Rhode Island Criticizes Lack of Transparency in Police Surveillance Camera Data Sharing

ACLU of Rhode Island Criticizes Lack of Transparency in Police Surveillance Camera Data Sharing

The ACLU of Rhode Island has issued a critique regarding the transparency of surveillance camera data sharing among local police departments and agencies, particularly concerning Flock Safety cameras. Despite claims of transparency by Flock Safety and local police, an ACLU investigation revealed a different reality. Many police departments are not posting crucial data on their 'transparency portals,' which are public pages intended to provide statistics on automated license plate reader (ALPR) camera usage. Specifically, at least six municipalities do not list which other police departments or agencies they share information with, and nearly all police departments fail to indicate which agencies they receive surveillance data from. Furthermore, Coventry and the Rhode Island State Police do not provide a public portal at all. The ACLU also noted that Flock Safety has intentionally excluded its online presence from the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine, hindering independent verification of its past operati...

South Portland City Council Cancels Contract with AI Surveillance Company Flock Amidst Resident Pushback

South Portland City Council Cancels Contract with AI Surveillance Company Flock Amidst Resident Pushback

The South Portland City Council has voted to terminate its contract with Flock, an AI-powered surveillance company, leading to the immediate removal of its cameras from the city. This decision followed a concerted effort by local residents who organized to persuade the council to end the agreement. Lucy Perkins, a key figure in this grassroots movement, is now seeking election to the Legislature as a Democrat, aiming to extend this momentum to the state level. The move in South Portland reflects a broader trend across Maine and the U.S., where communities are increasingly pushing back against the deployment of AI surveillance technologies like automated license plate readers (ALPRs). Concerns include warrantless mass surveillance and potential misuse of the technology, making it a bipartisan issue. While Maine law prohibits private companies from using ALPRs and bans facial recognition by law enforcement, technological advancements are outpacing legislative responses, creating gray areas that companies oft...

Congressman Michael Cloud Co-Introduces Bipartisan 'No FLOCK Act' to Curb License Plate Reader Abuse

Congressman Michael Cloud Co-Introduces Bipartisan 'No FLOCK Act' to Curb License Plate Reader Abuse

Congressman Michael Cloud (R-TX) and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) have jointly introduced the bipartisan No FLOCK Act (No Federal License-Plate Observation and Camera Keeping Act). This legislation aims to address and prevent the misuse of automated license plate reader systems, such as those provided by Flock Safety. The introduction of the bill follows a Washington Post investigation that uncovered at least 69 instances where police officials were accused, charged, or convicted of abusing these systems. These abuses included tracking spouses, romantic partners, and acquaintances for personal reasons. The proposed act seeks to establish clear limits on the use of these technologies, ensuring they are primarily used for legitimate public safety and toll enforcement purposes, rather than enabling mass surveillance that could infringe upon Fourth Amendment rights. Congressman Cloud emphasized that taxpayers should not fund surveillance that erodes civil liberties, advocating for a balance between p...

Flock Cameras Become Central Issue in Ohio Gubernatorial Race, Sparking Debate on Privacy and Public Safety

Flock Cameras Become Central Issue in Ohio Gubernatorial Race, Sparking Debate on Privacy and Public Safety

The use of Flock cameras has emerged as a significant point of contention in the Ohio gubernatorial race, with Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton advocating for a statewide ban and Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy expressing concerns about privacy while acknowledging their utility. Dr. Acton stated on social media that while public safety is a priority, it should not come at the expense of privacy rights, asserting that Flock cameras pose serious risks and are prone to abuse. Conversely, Governor Mike DeWine views the technology as an effective tool for safety, arguing that potential misuse does not negate its overall value. Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson echoed this sentiment, highlighting the cameras' effectiveness in solving serious crimes like kidnappings and murders. Several cities in Northern Kentucky, including Florence, Newport, Erlanger, and Independence, have already ceased using these cameras, and Hamilton County recently paused their use, with Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey seeking clearer s...

UltraViolet Launches 'Drop Flock' Campaign Urging Ulta Beauty to Remove Surveillance Cameras

UltraViolet Launches 'Drop Flock' Campaign Urging Ulta Beauty to Remove Surveillance Cameras

UltraViolet, a national gender justice organization, has initiated a campaign titled 'Drop Flock' against Ulta Beauty, calling for the cosmetics retailer to discontinue its use of automated license-plate reader (ALPR) cameras from Flock Safety. The organization argues that these surveillance systems pose a threat to customer privacy and could disproportionately affect women and gender-expansive individuals. UltraViolet's petition, launched this month, has already garnered over 15,000 signatures. Jenna Sherman, UltraViolet Campaign Director, stated that Ulta Beauty's use of an invasive mass surveillance system without customer knowledge or consent violates the trust it has built with its predominantly female customer base. The campaign highlights concerns about the potential misuse of ALPR data, citing instances where law enforcement officers allegedly used similar systems for unauthorized tracking, including stalking women or monitoring visits to abortion clinics. Flock Safety, in response to privacy conce...

Reps. Massie and Burlison Introduce 'Flock-Off Act' to Ban Federal Funding for ALPRs Amidst Growing Surveillance Concerns

Reps. Massie and Burlison Introduce 'Flock-Off Act' to Ban Federal Funding for ALPRs Amidst Growing Surveillance Concerns

Republican Representatives Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Eric Burlison of Missouri have introduced the 'Flock-Off Act' in Congress. This proposed legislation aims to prohibit the use of federal funds for the purchase or operation of automated license plate readers (ALPRs). Furthermore, it mandates that any existing ALPR systems funded by federal money must be shut down within 180 days of the act's passage. The move comes amidst increasing bipartisan concern over the widespread deployment of ALPR technology, particularly systems from companies like Flock Safety, which critics argue facilitate warrantless mass surveillance. Lawmakers and civil liberties advocates contend that these AI-powered cameras, which scan and record vehicle license plates, infringe upon fundamental privacy rights by creating a comprehensive tracking network of American drivers. This federal initiative mirrors actions taken at the state level, where officials in Texas and Florida have moved to restrict or remove ALPRs, and numerous loc...

Rio Rancho Man Arrested for Removing Flock Safety Cameras, Faces Multiple Charges

Rio Rancho Man Arrested for Removing Flock Safety Cameras, Faces Multiple Charges

Jevon Martinez, a 44-year-old Rio Rancho resident, was arrested after filming himself removing Flock Safety camera equipment in Bernalillo County on September 2. Martinez loaded the equipment into his truck, explaining his actions online by stating he was 'helping out' the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) after Sheriff John Allen announced the termination of the department's contracts with Flock Safety due to privacy and data sharing concerns. However, authorities clarified that only two of the ten removed camera systems were associated with BCSO, while the other eight belonged to neighborhood associations. Martinez faces charges of larceny over $2,500 and interference with communications. This is not his first encounter with law enforcement regarding license plate readers, as he was previously arrested in Sandoval County for similar alleged actions.

Albany County Investigator Charged with Over 4,000 Unauthorized License Plate Reader Searches, Reigniting Privacy Debate

Albany County Investigator Charged with Over 4,000 Unauthorized License Plate Reader Searches, Reigniting Privacy Debate

An Albany County sheriff’s investigator, Senior Investigator Laurie Moore, has been accused of conducting more than 4,000 unauthorized searches using a Flock Safety license plate reader system. Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple stated that Moore allegedly used the system to track individuals she knew, including a former girlfriend. Moore, a 13-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, faces charges of official misconduct and falsifying business records, both misdemeanors. Sheriff Apple expressed regret over the breach of trust. This incident has intensified discussions surrounding privacy, police oversight, and the need for statewide regulations on automatic license plate reader (ALPR) technology. Adam Scott Wandt, an associate professor of public policy at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, emphasized the need for clear rules and oversight for such powerful technology. State Assemblymember Pamela Hunter has introduced legislation (A10808) to limit ALPR data retention to 48 hours, with exceptions for seriou...

Valparaiso Board Approves Expanded Policy on License Plate Readers Amid National Privacy Concerns

Valparaiso Board Approves Expanded Policy on License Plate Readers Amid National Privacy Concerns

The Valparaiso Board of Works and Safety unanimously approved an amendment to the police department’s automatic license plate reader (ALPR) policy. The updated policy, expanded from three-and-a-half to five-and-a-half pages and from two to six categories, now covers manual and historical searches, authorized users and training, data access and retention, audit and accountability, and misuse. This amendment comes as the use of ALPRs, often referred to as Flock cameras, faces increased scrutiny nationally and locally due to privacy concerns. Valparaiso Police Chief Andrew McIntyre stated the proactive approach aims to ensure the technology is not used for surveillance or monitoring individuals. The department emphasizes that ALPRs are to be used only for legitimate law enforcement reasons, such as identifying wanted individuals or stolen vehicles, and not for arbitrary license plate checks. The policy clarifies that Flock data is retained for 30 days and provides only vehicle description and location, withou...