The use of license plate readers across the United States has become popular. The technology is over 30 years old but now there’s more than a little controversy regarding Flock cameras. Especially with the advent of Ring announcing a flock system to be used for finding pets and then canceling Its rollout.
These so-called FLOCK cameras can be found on telephone poles, overpasses, traffic lights, state patrol vehicles, tow trucks and parking enforcement vehicles.
Lynnwood City Council decided yesterday (2/23/26) to cancel their contract with Flock Safety.
According to seattletimes.com,‘Meanwhile, cities across the state have turned off or removed their cameras over swelling concerns about mass government surveillance, potential use for stalking and federal authorities utilizing the technology to target immigrants, protesters and people seeking health care such as abortion.’
How does it work?
On the surface, these cameras look like a good idea. The cameras capture hundreds, even thousands of pictures per minute. Then software is used to correlate license plates and look to see if they show up on a “hot list.” The hot list is maintained and updated frequently to flag stolen vehicles, missing people, criminal investigations, unpaid traffic tickets, and arrest warrants…