Carl Gunn, a 77-year-old St. Petersburg resident, is popularly known as the ‘Flock Blocker’ and protests against Flock Safety’s automated license-plate reader (ALPR) cameras by sitting near them and holding a sign that reads ‘Down with the Flock’ in front of the camera lens. Police have said that his protest is legal because he is not damaging or tampering with the cameras.
Gunn posts his updates on Instagram and is often seen sitting in a lawn chair near accessible Flock cameras. He moves around to different cameras and blocks them while vehicles pass, preventing the cameras from getting a clear view.
Gunn uses a 12-foot pole from his pool and a broomstick to extend it. He attaches the sign to the end and positions it in front of the camera lens. So anyone accessing footage from that Flock camera will only see the sign “Down with the Flock.” He is careful to choose only Flock camera locations where he won’t obstruct sidewalks, WUSF reported.
Why is Gunn Blocking Flock Cameras?
Gunn’s objection is primarily about privacy and surveillance. He says he doesn’t want Flock’s network recording where he goes and believes the technology amounts to excessive government surveillance…