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Nashville Tennessean

TN departments wrestle with Flock cameras, data privacy concerns

TN departments wrestle with Flock cameras, data privacy concerns

Many cities and law enforcement agencies across the state are wrestling with what to do about their Flock cameras amid data privacy concerns.

The Columbus Dispatch

Worthington City Council votes to suspend external sharing of Flock data

Worthington City Council votes to suspend external sharing of Flock data

Worthington's Flock camera data will no longer be shared with outside agencies after a Sept. 21 city council vote.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott Halts New Permits for Automated License Plate Readers on State Roads

Texas Governor Greg Abbott Halts New Permits for Automated License Plate Readers on State Roads

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued an order directing the Department of Transportation to cease issuing new permits for the installation of Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers (ALPRs) on state roads. This directive comes amidst ongoing discussions regarding privacy and surveillance technologies. The Texas Department of Public Safety currently operates approximately 900 such cameras across the state. The governor's order specifically targets the expansion of these systems by preventing the issuance of additional permits, indicating a pause in the proliferation of new ALPR installations on state-controlled roadways. This action reflects a growing concern over the use and oversight of surveillance technologies by various entities within the state.

Vigil Held for Jaquoya Wix in Detroit; Flock Camera Vandalized in Warren

Vigil Held for Jaquoya Wix in Detroit; Flock Camera Vandalized in Warren

A vigil was held on Monday night in Detroit to honor the memory of Jaquoya Wix, who was fatally stabbed. The community gathered to mourn her loss and show support for her family. In a separate incident, a Flock camera was vandalized in Warren. These two events were highlighted in a CBS Detroit news brief covering top local stories. The vigil for Jaquoya Wix underscores the tragic impact of violent crime on individuals and communities, bringing people together in grief and solidarity. The vandalism of the Flock camera points to issues of public safety infrastructure and potential resistance to surveillance technologies in certain areas. Both incidents reflect ongoing challenges faced by urban and suburban communities in Michigan.

West Hollywood City Council Faces Backlash Over Continued Use of Flock Surveillance Cameras

West Hollywood City Council Faces Backlash Over Continued Use of Flock Surveillance Cameras

The West Hollywood City Council is facing significant community opposition regarding its decision to continue and amend a contract with Flock Safety for AI-powered surveillance cameras. Despite the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) claiming it no longer accesses Flock data as of August 2026, at least 138 cameras remain active across Los Angeles, with West Hollywood specifically integrating them into public infrastructure and connecting them to a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) watch center. These cameras, which capture license plate numbers, vehicle make, model, and design, have been strategically placed in front of LGBTQ+ bars and clubs on Rainbow Street, a move that has particularly alarmed the queer community. Critics argue that this widespread surveillance infringes on privacy and disproportionately targets vulnerable populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants, in a city that has historically served as a sanctuary.

Rio Rancho Public Schools Launches 'Horizon 2040' Strategic Plan with Bridge Year Initiatives

Rio Rancho Public Schools Launches 'Horizon 2040' Strategic Plan with Bridge Year Initiatives

Rio Rancho Public Schools (RRPS) is initiating a 'bridge year' in 2026-27 to pilot new academic programs and develop its 2027-32 strategic plan, titled 'Horizon 2040.' This strategic vision, led by Superintendent Robert Dodd, aims to 'unlock student potential' over the next five years, with a long-term focus on students entering preschool this year who will graduate in 2040. The previous strategic plan concluded in 2025, prompting the need for this transitional period. Janna Chenault, chief academic officer, stated that a key objective is for every RRPS school to achieve 'Spotlight School' status by 2030, meaning they rank in the top 25% of schools statewide. Currently, 10 RRPS schools have already met this benchmark, according to a recent NM Vistas report. The district is piloting three improvement programs during this bridge year: mathematics acceleration at five elementary schools, high-expertise teaching at six elementary schools, and multilayered systems of support at three elementary schools. These p...

Springfield News-Leader

Council meeting ends with handcuffs as Flock camera report stalled

Council meeting ends with handcuffs as Flock camera report stalled

A crowd gathered to support a directive for a report on Flock cameras erupted in frustration and anger Monday night as Springfield council stalled it.

Evanston Police Investigate Federal Agents' Mistaken Arrest and Injury of U.S. Citizen

Evanston Police Investigate Federal Agents' Mistaken Arrest and Injury of U.S. Citizen

Evanston police are investigating an incident where federal agents mistakenly detained a U.S. citizen, believing he matched a person wanted on a warrant. The encounter occurred near Howard Street and Dodge Avenue in Evanston, Illinois, on a Sunday morning. Witnesses reported hearing an argument and someone being taken into custody. Officers found the man on the ground with injuries to his head, neck, and teeth. A federal agent, who identified himself as conducting a fugitive investigation, stated that the man refused to provide identification and resisted detention for fingerprinting. The agents later determined the man was not their target and was a U.S. citizen, subsequently releasing him. The agent also reported an injury to his hand while attempting to handcuff the man.

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula to Reevaluate City's Relationship with Flock Safety Technology Amid Privacy Concerns

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula to Reevaluate City's Relationship with Flock Safety Technology Amid Privacy Concerns

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula announced a reevaluation of the city's use of Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, specifically cameras provided by Flock Safety. This decision comes in response to a significant shift in public sentiment and growing privacy concerns surrounding the technology. Mayor Avula, who previously supported Flock's use for public safety benefits, stated that the issue is not closed and he remains open to community feedback. He acknowledged that the recent increase in public criticism signals a need to reassess the city's engagement with Flock. At least 20 other localities in Virginia, including Goochland County, have indicated they will cease using Flock technology, while Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield counties currently maintain active contracts. The Mayor's statement was delivered in a nearly four-minute video posted on the city's Instagram page.

Flock Safety Offers Voluntary Employee Buyouts Amid Customer Backlash and Financial Strain

Flock Safety Offers Voluntary Employee Buyouts Amid Customer Backlash and Financial Strain

Flock Safety Offers Voluntary Employee Buyouts Amid Customer Backlash and Financial Strain

Nashville Tennessean

Why a Middle Tennessee town is removing Flock cameras

Why a Middle Tennessee town is removing Flock cameras

Coopertown Mayor Jeff Smith said Flock cameras are being removed, citing surveillance and privacy concerns from residents.

Utah Lawmakers Eye New Regulations for Flock Cameras Amid Misuse Concerns

Utah Lawmakers Eye New Regulations for Flock Cameras Amid Misuse Concerns

Utah lawmakers are preparing new regulations for automated license plate readers, commonly known as Flock cameras, in response to growing concerns over privacy and misuse. Governor Spencer Cox expressed deep concern after an investigation by the Utah Civic Compact revealed that nearly 97% of searches in Weber County's Flock database originated from law enforcement agencies outside of Utah. Current Utah law restricts searches of these databases to active criminal investigations, outstanding warrants, or to locate missing persons or stolen vehicles. However, reports from other states indicate instances where police officers have allegedly used Flock camera data for personal reasons, not official duties. Senator Calvin Musselman, chair of the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee, acknowledged the technology's value for law enforcement but also recognized legitimate privacy concerns. The proposed bill aims to implement additional regulations for various technologies used by law enforcement, i...