Flock cameras vandalized in Irmo
Police said foam was found on the lenses of two automated license plate reader cameras as scrutiny of Flock systems grows nationwide.
- The Irmo Police Department confirmed that two Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras near Friarsgate Boulevard and Irmo Drive were vandalized. A WIS crew captured images on Wednesday evening showing foam sealant covering the lenses.
- This incident follows a national pattern of vandalism targeting Flock Safety devices, which are installed in over 6,000 law enforcement agencies across multiple states. Individuals have damaged or disabled cameras by ripping them from mounts or tilting them toward the sky.
- Beyond physical damage, Flock has faced intense scrutiny regarding privacy and surveillance concerns. Internal investigations in several states led to charges against officers accused of using the database to track individuals for personal reasons, including estranged spouses.
- On Thursday, Flock Safety announced significant changes to its database system following months of nationwide reporting. These updates include reduced default data storage times, which the company claims will help prevent potential misuse.
- The Irmo Town Council voted in July to more than double the town's fleet of Flock Safety cameras, despite public opposition and questions surrounding transparency. This expansion proceeded as vandalism and misuse concerns intensified nationwide.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Cheektowaga community reacts after flock camera vandalized
CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) — Cheektowaga residents are reacting to news that one of the police department's flock cameras was damaged this week by a vandal. Cheektowaga police confirmed that the camera, located on the town's south side, was damaged in the overnight hours Tuesday into Wednesday. Three other cameras were also found to be damaged, according [...]
A.I. Flock Surveillance Cameras Vandalized as Controversy Escalates Across the Carolinas
The growing backlash over AI-powered Flock surveillance cameras has taken another turn in the Carolinas. Police say several cameras were vandalized in South Carolina this week. The Irmo Police Department confirmed the cameras were vandalized near Friarsgate Boulevard and Irmo Drive. Police have not identified any suspects or released details about the damage. The vandalism comes weeks after Irmo Town Council approved a $403,000 contract to add 2…
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