There is increasing bipartisan opposition to Flock Safety's AI-powered license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras, often referred to as "Flock cameras." This backlash stems from privacy concerns, potential for abuse, and the technology's rapid expansion. More than 50 cities and counties have already canceled or deactivated these cameras this year, and over 200 communities have done so since 2021, with 90 cancellations occurring in August alone.
Several high-profile incidents have fueled these concerns. A police officer in Kentucky was arrested for allegedly using Flock cameras to track his ex-girlfriend over 2,000 times, and six police employees in Savannah, Georgia, were fired for alleged abuse of the system. The non-profit Institute for Justice has identified over 100 incidents of ALPR abuse, including stalking and wrongful stops. The use of AI in these cameras exacerbates fears of data compilation and examination with limited oversight, and some critics worry about police using them to bypass warrant requirements, such as a 2025 instance in Texas where a detective searched over 80,000 images without a warrant to locate a woman suspected of having an abortion.
The political response has been significant and bipartisan. Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently paused state funding for Flock cameras, while Democratic Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has indicated he would support a bipartisan bill to ban them. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced an investigation into Flock Safety, questioning its data collection and retention policies. Additionally, Representatives Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) introduced the "Flock-Off Act" to bar federal funding for ALPRs except for border security or toll enforcement. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has also voiced concerns, calling ALPR cameras "out of control" and urging legislative action to prevent a "surveillance state."
Public opinion also reflects growing apprehension. A recent YouGov survey shows that 46% of respondents oppose ALPR use for law enforcement, a rise from 33% a year prior. Even in conservative areas like Knox County, Tennessee, a Spry Strategies survey found 58% opposition to Flock cameras. Flock Safety, which claims its cameras make communities safer and improve crime-solving rates, operates approximately 100,000 cameras in over 7,000 communities nationwide. In response to criticism, the company has implemented mandatory audits and reduced the default data retention period from 30 to 7 days, though individual agencies can opt for longer retention.
