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County to Discuss Flock Cameras, Usage
Commissioners renewed the nearly $1 million contract through June 2027 as critics warned the cameras could expand mass surveillance and ICE access.
Harris County commissioners recently renewed their contract with Flock Safety for nearly $1 million, extending the agreement through June 2027 despite significant public opposition.
Flock utilizes automated license plate readers, or ALPRs, to scan vehicles and capture license plate data, a practice resident Mariah Dayakah argues creates a "mass surveillance system" lacking clear public policies.
Reports indicate at least 50 police officers nationwide have been accused of misusing the technology for unauthorized purposes, including stalking, while online petitions in other cities have demanded camera removal.
Law enforcement agencies maintain that ALPRs are essential tools for identifying suspects, recovering stolen vehicles, and locating missing persons, arguing these systems improve public safety through investigative support.
Flock currently operates in about 6,000 communities across the U.S., accounting for about 83% of the automated license plate reader market as privacy and public safety debates intensify nationwide.