Flock tightens ALPR access after police abuse reports, adds case-code requirement

Flock Safety, the company behind the largest network of automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras in the United States, is rolling out significant system updates following multiple reports of law enforcement officers misusing the technology to stalk ex-romantic partners and other individuals. With over 120,000 Flock cameras installed nationwide, the devices use AI to capture and analyze license plates, vehicle make, model, and color, creating a networked database that can track vehicles and people across cities and even the country.

CEO Garrett Langley issued a public mea culpa, telling The Verge that he has changed his position on the company's responsibility for how police use its products. The updates, set to roll out over the coming weeks, address the most criticized vulnerabilities. A previously optional feature called Audit Assistance will now be mandatory. It flags abnormal search behavior and immediately locks out suspicious accounts until an administrator reviews the activity. In addition, all users will be required to enter a case code for every search, which is intended to prevent queries made for personal or malicious reasons. Administrators can override this requirement in emergencies, such as locating a missing child, but those overrides will be automatically logged for review.

The changes come amid growing pushback against Flock and similar ALPR systems. Dozens of communities, including Los Angeles, have canceled contracts or deactivated cameras, citing concerns over data collection, access rights, and future use of the information. Earlier this year, Amazon-owned Ring terminated its partnership with Flock following online backlash. Flock hopes the new safeguards will restore confidence among municipalities and civil liberties advocates, though critics remain skeptical about whether the measures go far enough to prevent abuse. The company continues to operate in hundreds of cities across the US.