Flock Safety, a provider of license plate reader cameras used by U.S. law enforcement, announced changes to its data retention and oversight policies following public backlash and reports of misuse by police officers.
Flock Safety reduces default license plate data retention from 30 to 7 days and will require law enforcement agencies to use a tool flagging improper searches by the end of 2026. The company also plans to mandate case codes for searches. These changes were outlined in a Thursday blog post by CEO Garrett Langley, who described the updates as a response to community feedback and evolving societal expectations around surveillance technology.
The adjustments come after multiple reports documented cases where Flock’s technology contributed to wrongful stops, arrests, or injuries. On August 2, The Washington Post reported that at least 50 law enforcement officers had been charged with or accused of misusing license plate reader systems, with Flock cameras implicated in 46 of those cases.
New safeguards aim to curb police abuse of surveillance tools
Flock’s updates include a reduction in the default retention period for license plate data from 30 days to 7 days, though the company noted that existing customers may retain their previously approved retention periods. Additionally, Flock will implement an automated tool to flag potentially improper searches and require law enforcement agencies to provide case codes for all searches by the end of the year. Langley stated in a video statement that the company is evolving its practices to address concerns about privacy and accountability in public safety.
The changes follow growing scrutiny of Flock’s rapidly expanding camera network, which has been used not only for tracking stolen vehicles and missing persons but also for monitoring romantic partners and individuals unrelated to criminal activity. In one case, Flock’s technology was reportedly used to track a woman who had an abortion, according to reporting by Yahoo News.
Public backlash prompts policy shifts and customer losses
At least 50 cities have terminated contracts with Flock this year due to public opposition, though Langley noted that 16 cities that had paused services have since resumed their contracts in the last three months. Flock continues to onboard new customers at a ratio of 7:1 compared to those who have left the platform.
Langley acknowledged in an interview with the BBC that the company had been slow to address concerns about police misuse of its technology. When asked whether Flock had taken too long to implement safeguards, he responded, “Yeah... yes.” He added that the company’s historical focus on compliance with existing laws may have delayed its response to public concerns about surveillance practices.
Broader context of surveillance technology oversight
The updates reflect a broader debate over the use of automated license plate readers and other surveillance tools by law enforcement. Critics argue that such technologies can lead to privacy violations and disproportionate targeting, while supporters contend they are essential for public safety and crime prevention. Flock’s adjustments represent an attempt to balance these competing concerns while maintaining its business operations.
The company’s blog post emphasized that the changes were made in response to feedback from both customers and communities. Langley framed the updates as part of a broader societal conversation about corporate responsibility in the absence of comprehensive legislation governing surveillance technologies.