The rapid expansion of Flock Safety’s automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems is sparking increasing resistance, with citizens resorting to vandalism and cities dropping contracts in response to privacy concerns. While Flock claims its cameras are deployed in over 6,000 communities nationwide, a growing movement is pushing back against what many see as a Fourth Amendment violation.
Beyond License Plates: The Extent of Data Collection
Flock Safety cameras don’t just record license plates. They capture high-resolution images of entire vehicles, including unique features like dents, bumper stickers, and other identifiers. This data is then linked to the plate, allowing law enforcement to track vehicles and, by extension, their owners with unprecedented detail. The data is also widely shareable, raising concerns about potential misuse.
A Growing Flashpoint: Vandalism and Legal Challenges
The backlash is escalating. In La Mesa, California, residents recently vandalized two Flock cameras after the city council voted to renew its contract despite public opposition. Similar incidents have been reported in Oregon, Illinois, Connecticut, and Virginia, where one individual was arrested for allegedly destroying 13 cameras, citing Fourth Amendment concerns.
Some courts have ruled that the images collected by Flock cameras are public records, given that they capture every vehicle and person passing by, regardless of suspicion. This legal ambiguity further fuels resistance.
Resistance Gains Momentum
A mapping project, DeFlock, estimates that nearly 80,000 ALPR cameras are now operational across the U.S. Despite this prevalence, dozens of cities—including Santa Cruz, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, Richmond, Staunton, Flagstaff, and Eugene—have either paused or terminated contracts with Flock or similar providers. Online support for vandals is also growing, with some openly celebrating the destruction of cameras.
“Some stories just make me smile.” – Reddit commenter on camera destruction.
Crime-Solving vs. Privacy: The Debate Continues
Proponents of Flock Safety cameras emphasize their crime-solving benefits, while critics argue that the privacy implications outweigh any potential gains. This divide is at the heart of the growing conflict. As resistance mounts, the future of ALPR technology in American communities remains uncertain.
The trend is clear: citizens and lawmakers alike are questioning the unchecked expansion of surveillance technologies, and some are taking direct action to dismantle them.
