Senator Hawley Questions Flock Safety's Surveillance Network Amid Privacy Concerns

<p>Senator Josh Hawley is seeking information from Flock Safety regarding its expanding network of AI-powered cameras, which some communities are discontinuing due to privacy concerns. Hawley stated, "Flock has assembled an unprecedented national surveillance network," noting the company operates over 120,000 cameras across 49 states and conducts more than 20 billion vehicle scans monthly.</p><p>Hawley is investigating who has access to the data collected by Flock and its implications for Americans' privacy. He emphasized that Americans deserve transparency regarding their data. Robert Frommer, director of the Institute for Justice’s Project on the Fourth Amendment, expressed concerns about police accessing individuals' past movements without judicial approval, advocating for a warrant requirement for such searches.</p><p>Hawley, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, initiated this investigation in a letter to Flock CEO Garrett Langley. He argued that Flock’s camera network exceeds the scope of traditional law enforcement surveillance tools.</p><p>Flock’s automated license plate reader cameras capture details such as license plates, vehicle descriptions, locations, and timestamps. The company markets its technology to law enforcement, businesses, and homeowners associations. In response to Hawley’s inquiry, Flock spokesperson Paris Lewbel stated that the company would provide context about its technology and how it is used by law enforcement.</p><p>Hawley asserted that while law enforcement requires tools to ensure public safety, citizens should not have to sacrifice their privacy in daily activities. He referenced the Supreme Court's recognition of the distinction between ordinary public observation and comprehensive tracking of individuals' movements.</p><p>Concerns about Flock's technology have led several cities to reconsider their agreements with the company. The Pflugerville City Council in Texas recently voted to terminate its contract with Flock, citing community trust and safety. Pflugerville police had utilized Flock cameras since 2020 but lost confidence in the company's ability to meet privacy standards.</p><p>Pflugerville Mayor Doug Weiss stated that public safety and trust must coexist, and recent concerns about Flock's system prompted the decision to discontinue its use. Pflugerville Police Chief Willie Richards acknowledged the utility of ALPR technology but emphasized the need for confidence in its safeguards.</p><p>In Hood County, Texas, the Commissioners Court voted to end its relationship with Flock and directed the disconnection of its cameras. Constable John Shirley expressed that constant surveillance of citizens is incompatible with a free society, advocating for the balance between public safety and individual liberty.</p><p>Tempe, Arizona, has also ceased its use of Flock cameras, with officials stating that while the cameras had aided in crime-solving, concerns about misuse prompted the decision. The city plans to delete previously collected data after 30 days unless linked to ongoing investigations.</p><p>Frommer noted that constitutional concerns regarding license plate reader technology extend beyond Flock, highlighting the need for safeguards regardless of the provider.</p>