President Donald Trump on Sunday publicly endorsed Flock Safety’s AI-driven license plate readers, a move that comes as the technology faces increasing scrutiny from lawmakers, civil liberties groups, and local governments across the United States.
Trump voices support for Flock cameras
During a press interaction aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked whether he backed the use of Flock cameras, which are used by law enforcement to scan license plates and compare them against criminal databases. The president responded, “I sort of like them because of that, because of law enforcement. But some people don’t. They think it’s an infringement.” He later added, “I like them.”
Growing opposition to Flock cameras
The president’s remarks follow a wave of cancellations and policy reversals regarding Flock cameras. In recent months, more than 100 jurisdictions have canceled contracts with Flock Safety or other automated license plate reader providers, according to a database maintained by the Institute for Justice, a nonprofit law firm. Among the jurisdictions that have taken action:
- Tempe, Arizona; Bellingham, Massachusetts; Cave Creek, Arizona; and multiple counties in Texas have removed Flock cameras.
- The Dallas Police Department announced it would shut down hundreds of Flock cameras after funding was paused.
- Florida’s Department of Transportation issued a memo ending its use of license plate-reading cameras, including those made by Flock.
Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley has defended the technology, stating that while privacy concerns are valid, the cameras enhance public safety. “I value my privacy, my family values their privacy, my employees value their privacy, but what we’re talking about here is promoting safety,” Langley said in a statement.
Policy and legislative responses
The bipartisan backlash has extended to Congress, where lawmakers have introduced legislation to restrict or defund the use of automated license plate readers. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced the “Flock-Off Act” (H.R. 10221), which would prohibit federal funds from being used to purchase, install, or operate Flock cameras or similar surveillance technologies. Massie described the technology as an overreach that turns communities into a “version of 1984.”
Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism Chair Josh Hawley (R-MO) launched an investigation into Flock’s data practices in August, citing concerns over warrantless access to drivers’ personal information. The probe was prompted in part by an audit in St. Charles County, Missouri, where a civilian employee was found to have used Flock cameras for personal reasons unrelated to law enforcement duties.
Law enforcement use and reported abuses
Flock Safety’s network includes over 120,000 cameras deployed across all 50 states except Alaska. Law enforcement agencies use the technology to track vehicles linked to crimes, including thefts, abductions, and Amber Alerts. However, reports have also emerged of officers misusing the system to track individuals without legitimate law enforcement purposes.
Flock Safety has stated that it provides tools to monitor and prevent misuse, including audit trails and training for law enforcement partners. The company has also emphasized that its cameras are designed to capture only license plates and vehicle images, not personal identifying information.
Contrasting views on privacy and effectiveness
Supporters of Flock cameras, including law enforcement agencies, argue that the technology is a critical tool for solving crimes and enhancing public safety. Critics, however, contend that the widespread deployment of license plate readers creates a surveillance network that infringes on privacy rights and enables government overreach.
The debate reflects broader tensions between security and civil liberties, with both sides citing real-world examples to support their positions. As the technology continues to expand, the discussion over its use is likely to intensify at the local, state, and federal levels.