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Flock Safety faces scrutiny over surveillance network and lobbying
Flock Safety, a leading provider of automated license plate readers (ALPR), is facing intense scrutiny over its nationwide surveillance network. The company operates approximately 120,000 cameras across 49 U.S. states, providing law enforcement with real-time vehicle tracking capabilities. While police departments defend the technology as a vital tool for solving crimes and finding missing persons, privacy advocates and lawmakers warn of mass surveillance without warrants.
Recent reports indicate that Flock has spent over $2 million on federal and state lobbying since 2025 to maintain its market position. This push comes amid significant backlash; more than 120 jurisdictions have canceled, suspended, or rejected Flock contracts since early 2025. In California and Wisconsin, municipal leaders have led efforts to terminate agreements, while the Los Angeles Police Department recently declined to renew its contract following an audit that revealed a 32.3 percent false-positive rate for stolen-vehicle alerts.
Controversy has also been fueled by leaked training materials. A webinar allegedly showed Flock employees instructing police on how to use the technology to monitor political demonstrations, such as 'No Kings' protests. Additionally, the company's widespread presence has led to instances of vandalism and sabotage of camera equipment in states including Minnesota, California, and Georgia.
Entities
Caity Peak · DeFlock · Denver · Electronic Frontier Foundation · Flock Safety · Houston · Los Angeles Police Department · OpenSecrets
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] More than 120 agencies or jurisdictions have canceled, suspended, or rejected Flock contracts since January 2025. abc17news.com · localnews8.com · kesq.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] An internal audit by the LAPD found a 32.3 percent false-positive rate for stolen-vehicle alerts from Flock cameras. www.sgtreport.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] A leaked webinar showed Flock training police on how to use surveillance tools to monitor 'No Kings' protests. yro.slashdot.org · www.thecooldown.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] At least 54 U.S. cities have voted to cancel, non-renew, or reject Flock's ALPR technology since the start of the year. www.sgtreport.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Flock Safety has spent over $2 million on federal and state lobbying since 2025. abc17news.com · localnews8.com · kesq.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Flock Safety operates approximately 120,000 cameras across 49 U.S. states. otrasvoceseneducacion.org · www.bibbvoice.com · www.bbc.co.uk