EFF says police agencies searched Flock Safety automated license plate reader databases for routine matters far beyond serious criminal investigations, including school residency verification, employment background checks, and noise complaints. Based on analysis of millions of audit-log searches, the report says some agencies queried plates across thousands of shared camera networks nationwide, exposing detailed location histories without a warrant requirement and showing broad mission creep in how ALPR (automated license plate reader) data is used.
2026.09.08
70% relevant
This article adds consequential downstream impact to the broader Flock Safety abuse story: Florida barred ALPR use on state highways, Texas blocked state funding for Flock cameras, more than 90 jurisdictions reportedly terminated contracts in August, and Los Angeles cited false stolen-vehicle hits and data-ownership concerns when ending its contract.
Bruce Schneier
2026.08.20
71% relevant
This adds a specific documented policy from Wapello County, Iowa instructing officers not to mention Flock ALPR use to vehicle occupants or in reports unless necessary, extending the broader story of opaque and expansive police use of Flock systems beyond serious investigations.
2026.08.19
68% relevant
The article broadens that same misuse pattern with additional documented abuse, including stalking cases and cross-agency immigration-related access, and reports Flock’s new controls and mandatory auditing response.
2026.08.13
72% relevant
This article updates the broader Flock Safety misuse and oversight story by adding new company-wide controls after officers were charged with abusing the system for stalking and personal searches. It adds specifics on mandatory audit assistance, required case codes, possible seven-day retention, and optional cross-agency sharing limits.
2026.07.15
72% relevant
This advances the broader Flock Safety surveillance story with a specific policy action: LAPD is not renewing its Flock contract after an inspector general audit raised privacy, security, data-control, and misuse concerns, including 161 false stolen-vehicle identifications over two months.
Bruce Schneier
2026.06.16
84% relevant
This is the same underlying story of misuse of Flock Safety surveillance data by police, adding another documented abuse pattern: officers allegedly using the system to stalk people for personal reasons.
Hudson Hongo
2026.06.10
79% relevant
This newsletter item recaps and amplifies EFF's reporting on ALPR mission creep, specifically that license plate reader systems are being used for low-level matters such as noise complaints and other minor investigations rather than only serious crime.
Rindala Alajaji
2026.05.26
100% relevant
This article establishes a distinct surveillance/privacy story centered on EFF's new findings about Flock Safety ALPR mission creep and the warrantless use of location data for non-criminal purposes.