A recent directive from Texas Governor Greg Abbott has halted state funding for Flock cameras, a move that coincides with rising concerns over privacy and the potential misuse of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology. This decision follows an investigation revealing that state agencies allocated at least $30 million in grants to enhance the Flock surveillance network over the past three years.
According to a database maintained by the Texas Privacy Coalition, over 13,500 ALPRs are installed across 218 of Texas' 254 counties, with Harris County having the highest number at 3,546 cameras. Dallas County follows with 1,334 cameras, and Tarrant County has 949. Other counties with significant installations include Collin, Fort Bend, Denton, Bexar, Travis, Montgomery, and Williamson counties.
In light of the funding cut, Flock Safety has expressed support for legislation that ensures responsible use of its technology, which they argue is effective in solving serious crimes and recovering stolen vehicles. Abbott has noted a statewide effort to reduce the number of Flock cameras, citing concerns about transparency and privacy rights following incidents of misuse by law enforcement.
Further information on the future of Flock cameras in Texas remains unclear.
Dallas is about 23 miles south of Allen.
