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Hood County Discontinues Use of Flock Cameras Amid National Privacy Debate
County officials covered the cameras after residents raised privacy concerns, as Flock said 46 misuse cases prompted new safeguards.
- On Saturday, Hood County Constable John Shirley deactivated Flock Safety cameras countywide, citing concerns over "warrantless tracking" of residents. The action follows a unanimous vote by county commissioners to discontinue the contract.
- Hood County officials canceled the contract because Flock failed to install new cameras as agreed. Commissioners and residents subsequently raised alarms about mass surveillance and privacy, prompting the deactivation decision.
- Debate regarding the technology has spread, with Guadalupe County also halting usage. While the Dallas Police Department maintains the systems are critical investigative tools, critics argue they violate constitutional privacy rights.
- Flock CEO Garrett Langley announced changes to reduce default data retention from 30 days to seven days. The company now requires case codes for searches, though emergency overrides remain available.
- The American Civil Liberties Union noted the retention changes "may be a step in the right direction." North Texas Congressman Keith Self has proposed federal legislation to limit how agencies access license plate data.
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Rise in Flock cameras spark concern from community advocacy group
·Huntsville, United States
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Hood County Shuts Down Flock Cameras Over Privacy And Mass Surveillance Concerns
Hood County constables cover Flock cameras Image by Constable John ShirleyFacebookHood County, located about 50 miles southwest of Fort Worth, has shut down and covered its network of Flock automated license plate reader cameras after county commissioners and residents raised concerns about privacy and the potential for mass surveillance. Hood County Constable John D. Shirley announced the move over the weekend, sharing photos of cameras that ha…
Hood County covers Flock cameras after privacy concerns
·Philadelphia, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left1Leaning Right2Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution70% Center
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources are Center
70% Center
C 70%
R 20%
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