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Las Cruces Police Department Launches Transparency Portal for Flock Camera Usage

Las Cruces Police Department Launches Transparency Portal for Flock Camera Usage

The Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) has introduced a Flock Camera Transparency Portal to address public concerns regarding privacy and the use of Flock automatic license plate readers (ALPRs). This initiative includes a video explanation of how the technology is utilized. The portal provides comprehensive information, such as data retention policies, usage summaries, and details on what the cameras detect. According to the LCPD, data collected by Flock cameras is retained for 30 days before being automatically deleted. The portal clarifies that these cameras detect license plates and vehicles but do not identify faces, people, gender, or race. It also outlines LCPD's use policy and specifies prohibited uses of the technology. The department emphasizes that the system aims to capture objective evidence without compromising individual privacy. This launch coincides with the El Paso City Council's unanimous vote to remove all Flock ALPRs and to prevent new contracts with Flock Safety unless directed by th...

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...

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...

Racine Common Council Votes to Terminate Flock Safety Camera Contract Amid Privacy Concerns

Racine Common Council Votes to Terminate Flock Safety Camera Contract Amid Privacy Concerns

The Racine Common Council has voted 8 to 6 to terminate the city's contract with Flock Safety, a company providing license plate reader cameras. This decision follows nearly two hours of public debate that centered on balancing public safety needs with residents' data privacy concerns. Despite the vote, the Flock cameras will remain active for an additional 30 days to provide the police department with a grace period. Racine Police Chief Alexander Ramirez stated that the department has utilized Flock cameras since 2022, considering them a valuable tool for solving crimes such as shootings, homicides, missing persons cases, and stolen vehicle investigations. He noted a 57% reduction in shootings and shots fired incidents since 2022. However, privacy concerns were a significant factor in the council's decision, with residents and Alder Jens Jorgensen emphasizing the will of the people regarding data privacy. Resident Madeline Thompson also highlighted that two officers had been investigated for allegedly mis...

What's behind Gas South's streak as a USA TODAY Top Workplace?

What's behind Gas South's streak as a USA TODAY Top Workplace?

Gas South was named one of USA TODAY's top workplaces in 2026. One executive shares how connection makes them more than just a utility company.

Ulta Beauty sees customer backlash over a store policy intensify

Ulta Beauty sees customer backlash over a store policy intensify

A growing customer response is drawing fresh attention to Ulta Beauty as concerns surrounding its stores continue to mount.

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...

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.

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...

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...

US has 3 executions in 24 hours this week amid death penalty uptick

US has 3 executions in 24 hours this week amid death penalty uptick

Texas and Georgia are each planning to execute inmates within an hour of each other on Wednesday. Alabama is set to carry out an execution the next day.

Jonesboro Police Identify Persons of Interest After Four Flock Safety Cameras Destroyed by Gunfire

Jonesboro Police Identify Persons of Interest After Four Flock Safety Cameras Destroyed by Gunfire

The Jonesboro Police Department (JPD) is actively investigating the destruction of four Flock safety cameras by gunfire last weekend. According to incident reports obtained from JPD, the first attack was discovered around 1:45 a.m. on September 5, in the area of Christian Valley Drive, Mt. Carmel Road, and West Lawson Road. Additional cameras were found damaged at three other intersections: Lawson Road and South Culberhouse Street; West Matthews and West Washington Avenues; and Woodsprings Road and Southwest Drive. JPD Public Information Official Sally Smith confirmed on September 14 that the cameras were struck by gunfire and noted that there were no calls for service in those areas at the time of the attacks. The JPD has identified persons of interest and is working to establish their identities as the investigation progresses toward filing charges. This incident follows similar attacks in Brookland, another city in Craighead County, where four of its 14 Flock cameras were also targeted and damaged by gu...