Column By Mike Bibb
Safford’s current conflict with the newly revealed Flock Vehicle Surveillance Cameras prompted me to do a little more research on the topic.
Wasn’t difficult. Turned on the computer, typed in “Flock Cameras,” and several articles appeared.
Below is a generalization of the subject by Copilot Search, July 17, 2026:
“Flock cameras are AI-powered automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems that capture and track vehicles for law enforcement and community surveillance purposes.
What Flock Cameras Are-
Flock cameras, developed by Flock Safety, are surveillance devices designed to automatically capture images of every vehicle that passes within their view. They record the license plate number, vehicle make, model, color, and unique features such as bumper stickers, roof racks, or dents, creating a “vehicle fingerprint” that can be used to identify and track vehicles over time.
Unlike traffic cameras, Flock cameras do not issue tickets or measure speed; their primary purpose is surveillance and investigative support.
How They Work-
These cameras use computer vision and machine learning to read license plates and identify distinguishing vehicle features. The data is uploaded to Flock’s cloud system, where law enforcement, homeowner associations, and businesses can search and share information across jurisdictions. The system can provide real-time alerts if a vehicle of interest, such as a stolen or wanted car, is detected.
Most Flock cameras are solar-powered and mounted on poles, allowing flexible deployment in urban and suburban areas
Usage and Reach-
Flock Safety operates in over 5,000 communities across the United States, serving more than 4,500 law enforcement agencies and 1,000 businesses.
The cameras are used for crime prevention, investigations, and neighborhood security, and the data collected can be retained from 30 days to several years, depending on local policies.
Privacy and Controversy-
Flock cameras have sparked debate over privacy and civil liberties. Critics argue that the cameras create a mass surveillance network, tracking individuals’ movements without warrants or probable cause. The nationwide database allows law enforcement and private organizations to monitor vehicle activity across multiple jurisdictions, raising concerns about misuse, profiling, and overreach,
While Flock claims the system only collects vehicle data and deletes it after a set period, the potential for abuse remains a key point of controversy
Summary-
In essence, Flock cameras are advanced ALPR systems that provide communities and law enforcement with detailed vehicle tracking capabilities. They are marketed as tools for crime prevention and investigation but are also widely scrutinized for their implications on privacy and civil liberties.”
Seems to me if practically every organization, including “law enforcement, homeowner associations, and businesses can search and share information across jurisdictions” using Flock camera systems, then what’s to prevent false or misleading information from being entered on someone or something?
Seems we’re walking a very narrow path leading to a multitude of civil and constitutional abuses in the name of “safety” or some other perceived danger.
We’d better think long and hard about what the repercussions could be if Safford continues to accept Flock’s advertised advantages.
After all, Flock is in it for the money.
