Police officers misuse Flock AI license plate readers; jurisdictions debate continued use
Police officers in multiple jurisdictions have been found conducting unauthorized searches using Flock AI license plate readers, including tracking personal acquaintances. In response, some municipalities are cancelling their Flock contracts citing privacy concerns and legal violations, while others are renewing agreements. Flock's CEO announced new safeguards following the misuse allegations.
What happened
Former Holiday Hills police chief William Copp was charged with official misconduct for conducting nearly 250 unauthorized searches using Flock cameras while a part-time officer in Prairie Grove.
A former Kenosha County sheriff's deputy was charged with using Flock cameras to track a fellow deputy they were dating.
A New Bedford police officer was accused of misusing Flock camera data to monitor her ex-girlfriend, and the department paused use of the technology in response.
Lynn police placed two officers on paid administrative leave following an audit that flagged concerning searches using license plate reader technology.
Reported impact
Civil liberty groups and privacy advocates have warned of mass surveillance and police misuse of the technology.
Some critics have vandalized cameras, with one individual stating the cameras represent an invasion of privacy comparable to constant police monitoring.
Index analysis
Several Chicago suburbs are renewing agreements with Flock despite privacy concerns, while some communities including Hopkinton, Massachusetts are canceling contracts.
Itasca and Joliet have ongoing police investigations into officers accused of misusing Flock cameras for personal use.
Governance controls
Flock Safety's CEO announced new safeguards and said the company has an obligation to ensure accountability and transparency.
Hopkinton's legal review found the Flock agreement violated state law, and town leaders requested camera removal by September 30.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.