The use of Flock cameras has become a hot-button issue in communities across Texas, including locally, as residents weigh public safety benefits against concerns over privacy and government surveillance.
In Hood County, commissioners have made their decision.
Hood County has pulled the plug — literally — on Flock cameras after County Commissioners voted 4-0 this spring to discontinue the county’s Flock contract.
“Today is a good day for the Freedom of the people of Hood County,” Hood County Constable Precinct 2 John Shirley shared online. “I’ve finished the job of shutting down the county’s Flock cameras. They’ve been completely unplugged and covered.”
Flock cameras, automated license plate readers used by law enforcement agencies across the country, capture vehicle license plate information. Supporters of the technology say the data can help law enforcement quickly locate missing people, stolen vehicles and suspects wanted in connection with serious crimes.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy, data retention and how information collected through the camera network can be accessed and used.
“These cameras were constantly scanning and recording regular folks just going about their day,” Shirley said. “That kind of permanent, warrantless tracking doesn’t belong in a free society. By unplugging and covering them, we’re making it clear: privacy isn’t optional, and mass surveillance isn’t how we do things here.”
Shirley shared photos over the weekend showing the county’s Flock cameras covered and unplugged.
“This is what limited government looks like,” he said. “People in Hood County shouldn’t have to wonder if every trip they take is being logged and stored. I’m proud we got this done. It’s a real win for the citizens of this county.”
Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley recently acknowledged the potential for misuse of the technology in an interview with CBS and said additional safeguards are being introduced, including changes to data retention and audits designed to identify potential misuse.
The announcement follows reporting by The Washington Post that, in Washington state and other jurisdictions, police officers were accused in 46 cases of improperly using access to Flock’s license plate camera network, including instances in which officers allegedly used the technology to stalk women.
As discussion surrounding Flock cameras continues in communities across Texas, Hood County’s decision offers one example of how local officials are responding to the broader debate over public safety, privacy and the use of automated surveillance technology.
Editor’s Note: The cases cited in The Washington Post report were not reported in Lamar County. This story concerns Hood County and is being shared because the use of Flock cameras and related privacy concerns have also been a topic of local discussion.
