Cities across the US (including Bend, Oregon, where I live) are canceling Flock Safety patrol contracts. These systems use AI-powered cameras to read license plates, identify vehicle details, track people and deploy camera drones in nearby areas.
But other cities, like Dayton, Ohio, had a problem Wednesday: How do they make sure the cameras stay offline while they negotiate the end of the contract? In these cases, they turn to the humble black trash bag.
Local governments in Dayton and Evanston, Illinois, covered Flock’s automatic plate-reading cameras with trash bags after deciding to terminate their contracts, but before the cameras were rolled out.
A low-tech option that prevents outside agencies from accessing videos. The move highlights ongoing concerns about the reliability of these surveillance programs, and the challenges city governments face in controlling how their police departments use them.
Across the US, citizens have called for the removal of Flock cameras following reports that data has been shared with federal agencies such as ICE, and concerns that local police are using the systems to track people, including for personal disputes.
The technology can also identify people based on physical characteristics or clothing and allow officials to search their movements and actions, which critics, including Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, say makes abuse nearly impossible. Some reports have also raised concerns about the installation of cameras in sensitive areas, such as swimming pools and children’s gyms.
You can read more about these issues in my guide to herd safety monitoring here.
Local opposition to the Herd
Dayton’s problems began after a review found that 72 of its Flock cameras were involved in a “serious” data-sharing breach, including 7,100 searches filed for immigration-related reasons. Police departments are not always required to record the reason for a search of their herd.
Dayton responded by suspending its Flock program, conducting extensive research and covering cameras. The Dayton Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and other county agencies have denied public records requests by the Dayton Daily News for inspection and related records related to the use and sharing of Flock camera data. Officials say the records are free, while the newspaper disputes that.
The city of Evanston, meanwhile, ordered Flock to remove 19 of its cameras by 2025. City officials later discovered that only a few had been removed and that the cameras were reinstalled days later without apparent authorization, prompting a cease-and-desist order. In response, the city council moved to completely shut down the program to avoid further problems, costs or potential legal exposure.
Not all rebel against the herd. In Bandera, Texas, a town of 900 people about 50 miles northwest of San Antonio, a city council member was so distraught after the city canceled its Flock contract that he even floated a cell phone and Internet ban.
Representatives for Herd Safety and the cities of Dayton and Evanston did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Worried about Flock cameras nearby?
The US is not the only country with these problems. This automatic traffic camera in France was also bagged as part of the protest.
Herd cameras can be deployed by cities or private neighborhood groups. In practice, oversight and control can differ, and local governments may not have full control over how programs are implemented,
Herd monitoring cameras are usually equipped with a solar panel mounted on top. If you see them in your area, you may need to check local news and contact city officials to understand how the systems are used. You can also attend public meetings to ask questions about surveillance programs and, in many places, request records or audits under public records laws.
It’s a good idea to understand yours state and local laws regarding cameras and surveillance systems, as laws vary greatly by jurisdiction. Enforcement and compliance can vary in practice, sometimes leading to public complaints, legal challenges or other forms of public involvement. Residents of Boulder, Colorado, filed a lawsuit against the use of Flock cameras in their community.
You can also participate in groups like the Plate Privacy Project, and contact your elected officials to support legislation that would regulate or restrict surveillance camera systems.
It is not always easy to tell when Flock systems are used. Some cities are announcing regular surveillance programs without naming Flock, even if the basic contract includes cameras or drones for flock safety. In some cases, Flock’s software can be integrated into existing compatible camera systems, meaning new hardware may not even appear when the technology is used.
