Bipartisan backlash grows against Flock's license plate cameras as cities cut ties
Two Arizona cities, Tempe and Cave Creek, terminated their contracts with Flock's automated license plate reader cameras on the same day, citing privacy risks. Senators Josh Hawley and Bernie Sanders also targeted the company, with Hawley launching an investigation and Sanders pledging new legislation. Flock defended its technology, arguing it helps solve crimes and that removal harms public safety.
Tempe and Cave Creek both ended their Flock contracts on the same day, though their stated reasons differed slightly. Tempe emphasized the inherent risk to civil liberties despite monthly audits showing no misuse, while Cave Creek focused on the inability to control how data was shared with outside agencies once it left local jurisdiction. The theft of one of Cave Creek's cameras also factored into its decision.
The bipartisan nature of the opposition was notable, with Senator Hawley launching an investigation and Senator Sanders proposing legislation on the same day. Flock defended its technology, pointing to its role in solving violent crimes and locating missing people, and argued that removing the cameras would slow investigations and hinder public safety efforts. The company also noted that all searches are logged and reviewed through its audit tools.
This convergence of conservative and progressive opposition could signal a broader shift in how local governments evaluate surveillance technology. Cities may become more cautious about contracting with networked camera systems, potentially slowing industry growth. Residents in communities that keep such systems may see increased scrutiny of data-sharing practices, while those in cities that remove them could face longer investigation times for certain crimes. The outcome may influence how other municipalities balance privacy protections against law enforcement tools.