Charlotte, NC, August 10, 2026 —

An investigation into Flock Safety’s automated license plate readers (ALPRs) has raised significant concerns regarding transparency and the potential for misuse by law enforcement agencies across the United States.

In North Manchester, Indiana, a resident who has been a vocal critic of local government has alleged being subjected to excessive tracking by law enforcement utilizing Flock cameras. This individual’s experience underscores broader anxieties about how ALPR technology is employed and the accountability measures in place.

Flock Safety states that its systems are designed with safeguards to prevent misuse. However, the investigation uncovered more than 70 instances nationwide where law enforcement officers faced disciplinary action, including termination, for abusing the ALPR system. These documented cases of misuse reportedly include activities such as stalking and harassment.

In response to these concerns and citing a need to shield officers from activists, Flock recently modified its system. The company removed specific details from audit logs, a change that has been criticized for further diminishing transparency. Obtaining detailed search logs from law enforcement agencies has also become more challenging, with many local departments citing investigatory records exemptions to block access.

The lack of detailed audit trails and the challenges in accessing search logs raise questions about the ability to effectively monitor and regulate the use of ALPR technology. This situation has fueled public debate about privacy rights and the balance between public safety and civil liberties in the age of widespread surveillance technology.



Story summarized from the original created by Brendan Keefe, Emily Featherston on www.wbtv.com, see more information here.

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