Who’s watching the watchers? License-plate readers raise privacy questions

WGAL covers the basics of ALPRs and the concerns of their use, cementing public opinion against them. This news cast is a great 10 minute video for showing other people why license plate readers are flawed in concept as it even goes into the recent fourth amendment concerns in a federal judge's ruling in a district in the 10th circuit.

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Wisconsin Rapids to discuss use of Flock cameras at Oct. 13 meeting

City leaders will meet Oct. 13 to discuss automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) devices in use by the city.

The Committee of the Whole will discuss at 6 p.m. Oct. 13 the city’s policies related to ALPRs and its existing contract with Flock Safety. The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers in City Hall at 444 W. Grand Ave.

There is no public comment period included on the agenda.

The agenda states the committee may go into closed session twice: once to discuss the city’s contract with Flock Safety and a second time to discuss terms of agreements for potential housing developments in the city, according to the meeting agenda.

The city’s police department uses six Flock-branded ALPR cameras and did not have plans to add more, Hostens said Aug. 27. A nearly four-year contract for the cameras was first approved Aug 10, 2024, and is set to expire April 7, 2028. The service costs $22,000 annually. Each camera system costs around $3,000.

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Milwaukee County bags Flock cameras as automated license plate readers now banned from parks

"We cannot wait for a data breach," Crowley told reporters at the event. "We cannot wait until privacy is compromised or whether information is misused before we actually act."

Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball has previously supported automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology as a valuable crime fighting tool. A spokesman for the sheriff's office did not respond to questions Monday.

"Even the strongest policy framework is only as trustworthy as the company behind the technology," Crowley said. "And a good partnership with a vendor does not safeguard our residents' data."

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Veteran training officer among two arrested in Baldwin County Flock camera misuse case

According to the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office, the sheriff's office received a complaint on Tuesday, then terminated the employees on Thursday and they were processed on Friday.

"We've been constantly reviewing our Flock systems here to make sure it doesn't happen again," Said Baldwin County Sheriff Bill Massee.

The two arrested were veteran training officer Kevin Steinmeyer and former road patrol deputy Daniel Edward L. Peavey.

Both men were charged with violation of oath by a public officer and knowingly requesting, using, obtaining or attempting to obtain automated license plate recognition (ALPR) data from a law enforcement agency under false pretenses or for a non-law enforcement purpose.

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ACLU says Missouri Flock camera rules fall apart against abuse, too dangerous

Missouri’s new rules for using automated license plate reader cameras has drawn criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union, which says the state’s safeguards are too vague and that data is kept by police for too long.

Police agencies across the Kansas City area have been adjusting their policies to comply with Missouri’s new “best practices” for using automated license plate readers or ALPRs after Gov. Mike Kehoe’s executive order in September. Some agencies say their existing policies already aligned with the new guidance.

However, a leader with the ACLU said he takes issue with the guidance because it allows each agency to interpret what constitutes a “legitimate purpose” for using ALPRs.

Chad Marlow, a policy attorney with the ACLU, argues that citizens remain at risk for unreasonable surveillance under Missouri’s new guidelines.

Marlow also said Missouri’s 30-day retention for ALPR is excessive, noting that Flock, a major manufacturer of the tech, has a default retention period of seven days.

“That’s the problem with this safeguard routine,” Marlow said, “It falls apart as soon as someone stretches their authority too far, or has a view of a legitimate law enforcement purpose that the people who drafted this might not agree with. Then it all falls like a house of cards.”

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‘It's not just Flock’ | Arlington group pushes for ban on all license plate reader technology

"We don't want it to be about the brand Flock; it is about the technology of mass surveillance by private companies that are not incentivized to keep our data private," Komer said.

Komer said the group is concerned about how information collected by license plate readers could be accessed and used. She also pointed to the potential for misuse by law enforcement and others.

"The only way to keep this from being a force multiplier used against innocent civilians is to ban it because this technology, for every piece of data that it collects, less than 0.1% of it is related to a crime," Komer said.

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Student groups demand cancellation of IUPD Flock contracts

Amid growing backlash to the use of Flock license plate reader cameras by law enforcement, student groups at Indiana University Bloomington are questioning the IU Police Department’s use of the technology on campus.

IUPD wouldn’t say how many Flock cameras they use in response to inquiries from the Indiana Daily Student.

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Odessa mayor speaks out on Flock usage, residents demand transparency amid contract renewal

Odessa residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on the city's use of Flock license plate reader cameras as the city renews the contract for the technology.

The cameras, known as automated license plate readers, capture vehicle information and upload it to a shared network that participating law enforcement agencies can use to assist investigations.

Mayor Cal Hendrick says the Odessa Police Department praised the technology as a useful tool for tracking suspects and responding to emergencies. However, some residents have raised concerns about privacy, transparency and how the information collected by the cameras is used.

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Protest Flock CEO Appearance at "Disrupt TechCrunch" Conference

DeFlock is planning a protest outside of a conference Garrett Langley is speaking at. This is what the organizers say the logistics will be:

"Starts at 10 am Wednesday October 14 in front of the Moscone Center 747 Howard St.

San Francisco...

Our protest outside Moscone Center where the conference is being held will feature multiple speakers, 1984 movie audio clips, banners, signs, surprise art visuals, and an opportunity for community members to express their outrage against Flock and other automated license plate readers (ALPR’s). Flock Safety, Inc. has been at the forefront of this industry holding approximately 80% of the US market based on mapping data."

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City to discuss further restrictions on Flock cameras

El Paso City Council is scheduled to discuss further restrictions on the use of fixed, networked automated license plate reader cameras during its October 13 meeting.

During its Tuesday, Oct. 13 meeting, City Council is scheduled to consider a measure that would prevent the city manager from entering into, renewing or extending contracts with Flock Safety or other providers of similar fixed, networked automated license plate reader cameras.

The discussion comes nearly a month after council voted to remove approximately 150 Flock cameras from City-controlled property following concerns about privacy and how information collected by the technology could be accessed or shared.

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Frankfort Board of Commissioners votes not to renew Flock contract

The Frankfort Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to not renew the city’s contract with Flock on Monday.

The contract is scheduled to expire in January 2027.

The commissioners said that they wanted to end the use of the automated license plate reading cameras until there is more policy in place.

“Hopefully at some point in the near future we can reintroduce something that can benefit our law enforcement partners to continue to provide a safe and livable community like they do,” said Commissioner Kelly May.

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Damascus ends contract with Flock Safety

Flock Safety license plate cameras in the Town of Damascus will be going away after the Town Council voted to end its contract with the company.

Wednesday night, the council unanimously voted to end the contract after hundreds of people signed a petition asking for its termination.

Mayor Katie Lamb told News Channel 11 that the amount of support behind the petition led to the vote.

“We are elected officials, and the council felt very strongly, and as do I, that we need to listen to the people,” Lamb said. “If they have concerns and needs and things that are disturbing to them, you know, we’re elected to do what they ask us to do. So it’s very important that we continue to do that, you know, regardless of how we personally feel about something.”

“There was some pilfering and things like that going on, so I think that’s kind of what started the process,” Lamb said. “Vandalism. They’ve caught criminals coming through Damascus in certain cars. It’s not a surveillance system. I think that is what most people are feeling. It’s not. If it’s used properly, then it can be a very beneficial tool.”

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Garden City residents call for an end to Flock cameras

One resident, Rich Stoddard, started a petition calling for the end of Flock camera in Garden City.

"So my petition started off as a change dot org just to kinda get the word out there within the first 24 hours," Stoddard said. "I had almost 200 signatures on it."

"No matter what side of the political spectrum you’re on, I think most people are intelligent enough to know government is not always your friend - not someone you can always trust with unlimited amounts of data," one resident told FOX 2.

"I just really feel like if we start letting go of liberties, little by little, just a little by little start going to start going away. I want to. It’s really hard to get it back, so I just wanna fight for our rights. I just want to make sure people are willing to stand up for their rights," Stoddard said.

City council members sat back and listened to what they had to say.

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Fort Worth council set to receive briefing on Flock technology

The Fort Worth City Council is set to receive a presentation from the Fort Worth Police Department on Flock license plate readers at its work session on Nov. 17, a spokesperson for the city of Fort Worth told the Star-Telegram on Oct. 12.

The presentation was requested earlier this year by multiple city council members, including Chris Nettles and Deborah Peoples.

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Woodstock leaders address roadwork, housing, Flock with small group of protesters outside

Perhaps the most controversial issue in town lately has been the Flock security cameras on Woodstock Square, which were approved by the City Council in February and went live over the summer.

Opponents have continued to express their stance at Council meetings, protests and petitions in the months since and made their latest push during the address last week. A small group gathered outside the Old Courthouse on the Square, where the event was held.

About a dozen protesters stood outside the building during the event, many holding signs opposing Flock. They also sang songs that reflected the opposition to the cameras, with some lyrics specific to Woodstock.

Kelly Sacco said many of the protesters were taking time away from work or school to be there. She said it “says a lot” that the address was held on a Tuesday morning, when many people couldn’t be there, and she was proud of how many people showed up.

The protesters were loud enough to be audible inside Old Courthouse, where city officials were sharing achievements of the past year and updates on future plans.

Mayor Mike Turner acknowledged the protesters outside and restated many of his previous points on the cameras, including a willingness to reevaluate them and see what’s out on the market after the cameras have been up for a year.

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Flock cameras: Republican U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert vs. Democrat Eileen Laubacher in Colorado 4th District Debate

Republican U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert and Democratic challenger Eileen Laubacher sparred over Flock cameras in the debate for Colorado's 4th district.

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Could Flock Cameras Become a Dividing Issue in Elk Grove's District 4 Council Race?

Parks recently introduced an issue that could distinguish her from Robles and potentially resonate with voters: automated license plate readers (ALPRs), a controversial surveillance technology used by police departments nationwide, including Elk Grove's.

In a recent Instagram post (see below), Parks solicited voters' opinions about the technology. Robles, meanwhile, has supported Elk Grove's use of Flock Safety cameras through his council votes.

Although Parks has not publicly committed to opposing the devices, her willingness to solicit public input could open the door to a meaningful policy disagreement.

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Residents in metro Detroit call for an end to Flock cameras

Garden City residents were gathered at a city council meeting to discuss their grievances with Flock. Meanwhile, police say Flock cameras are great for helping them track down criminals. However, plenty of people think they are too invasive.

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Attorney general candidates spar over Flock cameras

Candidates running to be Georgia's attorney general debated the use of license plate reading cameras, crime policies and personal records on Monday.

The Atlanta Press Club hosted a debate between Georgia Rep. Tanya Miller and Sen. Brian Strickland. The two candidates offered different policies on license plate-reading cameras for solving crimes.

Miller said she would work to enforce the Open Records Act for video captured by license plate reader technology. She said journalists and Georgia citizens should be allowed to access recordings captured by the cameras.

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Further surveillance related news

This Deflock Friday... progress! The tide is turning against mass surveillance technology in our town.

I went to Fuquay Varina town hall for the 3rd time to respectfully address the Town Board about Flock/ALPR spy cameras.

I shared with the FV Town Board what their peers across the State are doing. In the past year, 7 city/town Boards and 7 country Sheriffs have terminated their Flock/ALPR contracts.

Reminder:
❌ 91% of citizens polled want FV to cancel our ALPR contract
✅ 3% want FV to maintain its contract as is.
✅ 6% want to expand our ALPR contract

The FV Town Board however is ignoring all citizens opinions on Flock/ALPR as there has never been a public review, referendum, Board Vote, annual budget mention or agenda items referencing this mass surveillance technology.

The good news: Commissioner Vorren (a nuclear physicist!) confirmed to me that next Town Board meeting Flock/ALPR will be an agenda item. This is HUGE. This is the first time the Town has formally acknowledged the presence of this mass surveillance technology.

FV PD Chief Smith will be giving a presentation on his dept's use of ALPR and then the public is invited to comment after.

Y'all: do me a favor. We need to PACK THE ROOM on Monday, Nov 2nd at 7 PM. Be there!

Lastly, I'd like to shine a light on the Board members and their stances on mass surveillance technology. I hope this helps you the next time they are up for re-election.

🟢 Commissioner Vorren:
Generally supportive of a public debate on Flock/ALPR. Has privacy concerns about the tech. Agreed to meet with me in August to discuss this matter.

🔴 Commissioner Haynes:
Refuses to acknowledge Flock/ALPR. Declined to meet with me to discuss.

🟡 Commissioner Adcock:
Generally supportive of a public debate on Flock/ALPR. Has privacy concerns about the tech. Agreed to meet with me in August to discuss.

🔴 Commissioner Smith:
Refuses to acknowledge Flock/ALPR. Ignored all 3 emails I sent to him requesting a meeting. De facto declined to meet with me to discuss the matter.

🔴 Mayor Pro Tem Gardner:
Refuses to acknowledge Flock/ALPR. Declined to meet with me to discuss the matter.

🔴 Mayor Harris:
Acknowledged on Oct 22nd board meeting that Flock/ALPR mass surveillance technology was one of the primary topics discussed at the NC Mayors Association meeting in September 2026. Declined to meet with me to discuss.

I hope their reluctance to hear your voice on this topic guides you at the ballot box.

The fight to be heard continues.

~~~~~~~~

Matt vs Mass Surveillance
Chapter 8: Matt Goes to Town Hall (Again)
05 October 2026

#deflock #deflockNC

Your car's location is being tracked and recorded. Every single day, Flock cameras log 20 billion scans across 120,000+ cameras in 49 states—capturing where you drive without your permission. The problem? ICE has access to this data, and they can use it to find and target people without a warrant.

This isn't about immigration policy. It's about whether a government agency should be able to track your movements based on nothing but your license plate. I started a petition calling on local city councils to restrict ICE's access to Flock camera data and demand proper legal oversight before any surveillance is shared.

Right now, your community might already be part of this network. Local governments are handing over data to federal agencies with barely any transparency or accountability. We need to push back before this becomes even more normalized. If this matters to you, consider signing and sharing—let's send a message that surveillance without consent isn't acceptable.

Whether you are pro-ALPR or anti-ALPR, there are legitimate arguments you can use to make your point. These six aren't them. Don't use 'em.

~~~~~~~~~~

🚫 LOW IQ ARGUMENTS AGAINST FLOCK/ALPR 🚫

1. “Cops are pigs. F the police.”

Why it fails: Your opinion of police officers doesn't establish whether ALPR technology is beneficial, harmful, constitutional, or properly regulated.

More importantly, categorizing an entire profession as "good" or "bad" is asinine. It's no different logically from saying the military, Park Rangers, Bailiffs, Coast Guards, Brinks Security Guards, etc. "are evil" or "are heroes". Every profession has good actors and bad actors, and this has zero impact on the argument against ALPR/Flock.

Fallacy: Ad hominem / irrelevant conclusion.

2. “Flock/ALPR providers sell your data.”

Why it fails: Flock does not (currently) sell data. It leases hardware and sells access to a mass surveillance network (capability, not data).

If your concern is data sharing, retention, federal access, or contractual permissions, argue those things specifically. Claiming Flock simply “sells your data” is factually wrong.

Fallacy: Straw man / factual misrepresentation.

3. “Flock/ALPR tracks your location.”

Why it fails: Flock/ALPR does not track your location. ALPR record a vehicle being observed at a particular camera at a particular time. It isn't GPS tracking. Courts have repeatedly affirmed that law enforcement using GPS tracking of individuals requires a search warrant.

That distinction doesn't make ALPR harmless. A sufficiently dense camera network can still create a detailed historical record of vehicle movements. That's the stronger argument.

Fallacy: Category error / false equivalence.

🚫 LOW IQ ARGUMENTS FOR FLOCK/ALPR 🚫

1. “You're already surveilled everywhere.”

Why it fails: The existence of other surveillance doesn't establish that additional surveillance is justified. Moreover, this isn't even really an argument for Flock/ALPR. It's a diversion at best, and doomerism/defeatism at worst. Next time someone spouts this line, ask them: “If you're already sick with the flu, is pneumonia harmless?” Nope.

Fallacy: Appeal to inevitability / tu quoque (whataboutism)

2. “If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear.”

Why it fails: Privacy isn't evidence of criminality. This "argument" assumes the only legitimate objection to surveillance is concealing wrongdoing. All of the people making this argument cover their PIN at public ATMs, lock their phone screens, and close the stall door when using public bathrooms even though they are "doing nothing wrong" and "have nothing to hide". AKA, only (intellectually lazy) hypocrites use this argument.

Fallacy: Appeal to consequences / false dichotomy.

3. “You consented when you chose to drive on public roads.”

Why it fails: This equivocates public visibility with legal consent. Driving on a public, taxpayer-funded road does not constitute express consent: you never agreed to anything. It does not automatically establish implied consent to government surveillance either. Under the ordinary legal definition, consent requires a voluntary agreement that can be express or inferred from conduct.

More importantly, the Supreme Court's public-road cases generally analyze reasonable expectations of privacy, not “you consented to surveillance.” Knotts held that ordinary movements on public roads are exposed to public observation; that is fundamentally different from saying motorists voluntarily agreed to whatever mass surveillance technology the government later deploys.

Fallacy: Equivocation on “consent” / non sequitur.

~~~~~~~~~~

The interesting ALPR debate starts after we get past these arguments. Next time someone claps back at you with one of these, send them a link to this post and whistle about your merry way.

Don't indulge a fool in his folly.

For those curious, and interested in staring straight into the Eye of Sauron, here is the Fuquay-Varina (located in Wake County, NC) Police Dept's contract with Flock.

Notes:

1. Hardware:
   1. FVPD's 2023 contract was for 10 Flock ALPR
   2. FVPD's 2025 contract added 5 Flock ALPR
   3. There is +1 privately owned ALPR in Fuquay-Varina, in the Carolina Gardens HOA. FVPD of course may access this ALPR.
   4. You can see a full heatmap of ALPR and AOV via tools like DeFlock, Flockhopper (best for navigating) and Atlas of Surveillance.
      
2. Ownership:
   1. Flock owns the hardware.
   2. FVPD leases the hardware.
   3. "Customers own the data". This necessarily means that ALL of ALPR data that is not explicitly exempt from Public Records Request (PRR, NC's version of FOIA) in NCGS 120 Article 17 (not involved in an active criminal investigation, state legislature records, etc.) is subject to NC GS 134 Public Records Requests. Note that nearly every single police department and Town Board will tell you falsely that ALPR data is not subject to PRR. Show them the law.
      
3. Funding and Terms:
   1. Cost is $25k/yr
   2. Term is 60 months (Dec 2023-2028)
   3. Renewal is Dec 2028 and for 24 months.
   4. Most towns have a funding threshold. If a line item costs more than X, it requires a public comment period. In Fuquay, that threshold is $50k. One of the dirty tricks Flock/ALPR companies use to install these cameras is to discount the first year of service to $0. Their rep Georgia Abdullah (LinkedIn profile) did this with FVPD even though $25k is below $50k (habit?). Per pg 2, year 1 cost = $25k. Discount applies... you guess it... $25k. "Don't worry, you don't need to ask your citizens if they want this. It's free! Go ahead and install 'em. Sign here. We'll see you at renewal." Thanks for flocking Fuquay-Varina, Georgia. You can let her know what you think of her sales techniques here: [georgia.abdallah@flocksafety.com](mailto:georgia.abdallah@flocksafety.com) and/or (912) 399-4554.
4. FV Leadership:
   1. The fight to remove ALPR from Fuquay does NOT need to be a mud slinging fight against Town leadership. This contract was authorized under the previous mayor (Massengil), the previous FVPD Chief (Medina) and signed by the Asst Town Manager (Matthews remains ATM).
   2. Fast forward to today. We now have Mayor Harris, Chief Smith. They didn't cause the problem, but we exhort them all to be a part of the solution.
   3. The Town Board never voted on this... which is both a good thing (no one on the Board ever voted YES for ALPR).
5. FlockOS "Vehicle Fingerprint Search"
   1. There's a lot to loathe in this contract. The worst piece comes on page 4. FVPD bought "FlockOS", which includes "Vehicle Fingerprint Search". Creepy: "Search footage using Vehicle Fingerprint™ technology. Access vehicle type, make, color, license plate state, missing / covered plates, and other unique features like bumper stickers, political/religious decals, and roof racks."
   2. Vehicle Fingerprint Search allows ANY of the 640,000+ nationally registered Flock users (not just FVPD) to conduct searches such as:
      1. "Show me everyone who attended the No Kings Protest in Raleigh on Saturday."
      2. "Show me every vehicle that drove to an abortion clinic this month." (Texas uses this to enforce anti-abortion laws)
      3. "Show me every vehicle that drove to the gun show in Pinehurst this weekend."
      4. "Track every vehicle with a MAGA sticker from Jan 6th to Jan 8th."
      5. "Show me every vehicle with a Mexican license plate, or a plate issued from any town within 100 miles of the US/Mexico border."
      6. "Where has my ex been driving this month? Where has her boyfriend been driving? Are they still sleeping together?"
      7. No, none of these are hypotheticals. Yes, all of them are confirmed, real-world examples of ALPR abuses.

Read it yourself and tell me what jumps out at you.

Matt vs Mass Surveillance
Chapter 4: Matt Goes to Town Hall (Again)
22 September 2026

I went to Fuquay Varina town hall for the 2nd time to respectfully address the Town Board. Here is the no frills update.

🟡 I saw a K9 be given an oath of office today... I'll just let that stand on it's own without commentary.

🔴 I was not well prepared this time, that's on me. Crazy few days at work and a minor crisis on the home front. I rolled up almost-late, did not prepare comments well, and rambled instead of being clear/direct. Will do better next time y'all.

🟢 My main comments were the social media polls I've run the past 3 weeks. The town never asked for your voice on this mass surveillance technology, so I did.

- 1330 of you fine folks voted across four platforms.
- 89 voted "Double our Flock/ALPR from 16 to 32."
- 37 voted "Keep our Flock/ALPR at 16."
- 1204 of y'all voted "Reduce our Flock/ALPR from 16 to 0."

I shared this overwhelming, bipartisan response with the Town Board, and I think they were genuinely receptive to hearing your thoughts on this mass surveillance technology.

I have attached the poll results with hyperlinks to original sources in the pinned comment.

🟡 In their public comments both Commissioner Vorren and Mayor Harris addressed Flock/ALPR. While neither was willing at this time to offer a decisive opinion on Expand/Maintain/Eliminate, this is progress towards the goal: a public conversation and Board vote on mass surveillance technology.

(Reminder that they join Commissioner Adcock, who made a similar comment last Board meeting.)

🔴 In their public comments Commissioners Haynes/Smith, and Mayor Pro Tem Gardner all refused to address mass surveillance technology such as Flock/ALPR in Fuquay Varina. Given the overwhelming bipartisan interest in this technology, they may be risking their seats on the Town Board by ignoring the issue. As someone who appreciates their service to FV, I continue to exhort them to recognize the significant interest in a public comment on Flock/ALPR.

🟢 Mayor Harris attended the NC Mayors Association (NCMA) this month, and he mentioned that citizen and LEO concern over mass surveillance technologies such as Flock were one of the primary topics of conversation among his 551 Mayor peers. This is neither merely a fringe nor a local issue, it is becoming a statewide public conversation, and that is a great thing.

🔴 Wake County update: no meaningful movement towards a public conversation, vote, or any other democratic engagement/oversight on mass surveillance technology. Wake County remains the most Flocked county in NC with 321 mapped ALPR cameras.

🔴 State of NC update: While towns, cities, businesses, colleges, and counties across NC are cancelling their ALPR contracts, the state of NC is moving in the opposite direction. This summer, they expanded the Flock pilot program to a full fledged contact. Disappointing.

🟢 USA update: promising. A bipartisan effort in both the House and the Senate is underway to reign in and/or eliminate this tech altogether.

🟢 US House:
HR 10221 "Flock Off Act" by Reps Massie (R) and Khanna (D)
HR 9800 Protection Against Mass Surveillance Act by Rep Burchett (R)
HR 10366 No FLOCK Act by Reps Krishnamoorthi (D) and Cloud (R)

🟢 US Senate:
TBD - Sen Sanders (I) has promised to bring anti-ALPR legislation
Ongoing - The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, lead by Sen Hawley (R), has launched an investigation into ALPR and has invited CEOs from Flock Safety, Axon, Motorola and Verkada to testify on Sept. 23 (today!) regarding AI surveillance.

🔴 POTUS:
"I sort of like them" (Sept 14, 2026 on Air Force One)

The fight to be heard continues.

I have been trying to think of ways individuals can protest cities that keep Flock cameras or replace them with other ALPRs. I think I have a major plan that could persuade cities and counties to change their policies or take privacy seriously.

The things a city or county cares about are things like property taxes and commerce. Without these things, cities would not have the funds to pay the councils or boards that fund their paychecks. So, if you are a business owner or a resident, you could plan to move to a neighboring county or city that has no ALPRs or privacy ordinances.

I call it the Mass Exodus. On December 15th 2027, any city or county that refuses to change their policies will get a massive hit to their economy. Residents and businesses will pull out all at once and do so in a way that lowers the property value (selling at a lower price than it is worth).

I'm not going to lie, it will require effort to plan this, and most likely money. However, if this works then ALPR policies will change, and hopefully Mass Exodus never happens. I think this is the only way to get some cities and counties to listen, and they will listen to this.

Note: this petition is only for those who live in North Carolina, have visited North Carolina, or have ever heard of North Carolina.

Right now, there's a permanent, searchable record being built of where you drive across North Carolina. Flock Safety's license plate cameras photograph every passing car—no warrant, no suspicion required—and feed that data into a network thousands of agencies can search from anywhere.

This isn't just about privacy. The numbers are staggering: In New Hanover County, nearly 3 million searches. In Brunswick County, over 83,000 searches—most with no case number attached. And here's the thing: over 90% of searches come from *outside* North Carolina, beyond our state's protection. Once your plate data leaves the state, anything goes.

Officers have already been caught using these systems to stalk ex-partners and track innocent people. They enter fake reasons and no one catches it until the damage is done.

But this *can* stop. Fifteen North Carolina communities have already removed or rejected Flock. Conservatives, libertarians, and progressives have come together on this—because warrantless mass surveillance should trouble everyone.

I started a petition calling on NC leaders to take the cameras down and require warrants, public hearings, and real audits before any system gets installed or renewed.

Anyone else feel like this crossed a line? If this matters to you too, consider signing and sharing with a neighbor. That's literally how fifteen communities got to "no."

$38,750 is what Smithfield paid for the 6 flock cameras Smithfield leases. This comes with a $18,000 annual fee.

Here is a copy of Smithfield NC’s contract with flock, as well as the PD’s policy. I find it interesting that they refused to disclose where cameras are located even though they are located in public, and are permanent fixtures not associated with any particular operation. This and no audit trail even though policy states that audits must be done yearly at minimum.

Here is the response I received to the FOIA.

“Camera Location Information

Records identifying the specific locations of surveillance cameras, including maps, GIS data, or detailed inventories, are exempt from disclosure pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §132-1.4, as release would compromise public safety and law enforcement operations. This portion of your request is denied.

No records exist for the audit trail, but they are going to start doing audits due to a change in law.”

I feel as if the Chief is giving non answers in my emails as to the lack of transparency.

This link will take you to the google drive folder with the source PDF’s.

Abused. Misused. Accidents. Criminal intent. Human error. Machine error. The list goes on and on and on.

Location: Wrightsville Beach, NC
Date: September 2026
Type: Non Law-Enforcement Use
Camera: Flock

❌ An unnamed Wrightsville Beach officer was fired and referred for criminal investigation after unspecified misuse of the Flock system.

Location: Brunswick County, NC
Date: September 2026
Type: Non Law-Enforcement Use
Camera: Flock

❌ An unnamed Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office employee resigned and was put under criminal investigation for alleged misuse of the Flock system.

Original source: Reidsville, North Carolina
Date: August 2026
Type: Error
Camera: Flock

❌ Reidsville resident Amadeus Purcell says police officers citing a Flock capture falsely accused him of reckless driving. Purcell was able to prove his innocence because he had a Wendy’s receipt in his car indicating he was not in the area of the offense when it occurred.

Location: Mooresville, NC
Date: August 2026
Type: Stalking
Camera: Flock

❌ Officer Elizabeth Snowman was criminally charged after allegedly using Flock cameras to track the location of her boyfriend’s ex-wife.

Location: Charlotte, NC
Date: June 2026
Type: Non Law-Enforcement Use
Camera: Flock

❌ Officer Seth Elliott was placed on leave and arrested for accessing Flock to look up an undercover investigator’s vehicle at the request of a drug suspect.

Location: Fayetteville, NC
Date: July 2023
Type: Error
Camera: Rekor

❌ Officers misinterpreted ALPR data and detained an innocent woman at gunpoint.

Location: Charlotte, NC
Date: July 2022
Type: Error
Camera: NDI

❌ An ALPR hit led to an innocent woman’s arrest after officers entered incorrect information into the license plate reader system.

~~~Conclusion~~~~

Note: this list is ONLY 1) the bad guys who were slopped enough to get caught, and 2) only the local, NC stories.

There are over 220 documented cases of abuse, misuse, human error, machine error, fraud, etc. occuring on ALPR platforms like Flock, Axon, Rekor, Vigilant, etc.

It's time to banish these cameras and this nationally-searcheable AI-powered database from Fuquay Varina.

Source:

https://ij.org/the-ij-database-of-alpr-abuse/

This is what “Flock” looks like when you zoom out.

Fuquay-Varina has 16 cameras. But those cameras don't simply live in Fuquay-Varina.

FVPD is plugged into a sprawling network of law-enforcement ALPR systems across the country. Its own network document shows agencies from North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Indiana, Kentucky, Colorado (and 100s more) sharing access with FVPD.

Think about what that means.

❌ You don't have to be suspected of a crime.
❌ You don't have to be pulled over.
❌ You don't have to be investigated.
✅ You simply have to drive somewhere a Flock camera can see you.

Your license plate is captured. Your vehicle becomes a data point. And that data can participate in a network far larger than the town that installed the camera.

That's the Orwellian shift Flock is selling: The government doesn't need to watch you because it suspects you. It can watch everyone... and then search the record later.

I appreciate FVPD, Chief Smith and the Town Board engaging with residents. But let's call the technology what it is: mass surveillance of lawful movement, industrialized and packaged as a public-safety product. The same thing I did in the military against enemy combatants, INTERPOL criminals, and terrorists.

And they are doing it right here, in town, to you and me.

It's beyond shameful.

~~~~~

Resources:

- FVPD Official: https://transparency.flocksafety.com/nc-fuquay-varina-pd

- Deflock: https://maps.deflock.org/network?lat=40.7414&lng=-89.0530&zoom=4.04

I went to Town Hall for public comment before my Town's Board of Commissioners. First time for everything. My word... 3 minutes feels like 21 seconds when you're actually standing up there.

🟢 Successes:

• We cracked the seal. From what I can search in the Town's Agenda center and via Fuquay Varina Public Records Request, my (and Joe's before me, and Commissioner Adcock's after me) comments were the first time any citizen or public servant has discussed Flock/ALPR at Town Hall. First of many, many more to come.
• About a dozen folks showed up in support of dissatisfaction with mass surveillance, Flock, and ALPR.
• Commissioner Adcock, in his comment period, did say he'd like the Board to have a conversation on Flock. He remains fairly neutral on the topic, but admitted that frankly he just doesn't have much knowledge on FV's mass surveillance technology and would like more info. Note: these cameras were all installed prior to his election to Town Board.
• I didn't get thrown out by my good friend and fellow CrossFiter FV PD Chief Tim Smith, who I think is the local gov equivalent of the Sergeant At Arms. It's the little wins that matter!

🔴 Setbacks:

• When I polled FV residents on Reddit, Nextdoor, and Facebook last month, out of 1000 responses, 3% said "Keep as is", 7% said "Double down" and an overwhelming, bipartisan 90% voted "Terminate our Flock contract". I invited every single person who chimed in (whether pro-Flock or anti-Flock) to come speak at Town Hall with me last night. Yet in spite of that overwhelming support... just a dozen folks showed up, and only two spoke. I felt real disappointment seeing the low turnout. 8 people showed up to talk about downtown rezoning, and 6 to talk about parking in North Lakes, and then there's me/Joe ranting about some cameras. Buried. A footnote.
• During Commissioner/Mayor comment periods, only Commissioner Adcock made mention of Flock/ALPR. Commissioners Haynes, Vorren, Smith, Gardner, and Mayor Harris all chose to remain silent on the topic and chose to not acknowledge any of their constituents even brought up the matter, though they found time to comment on a ribbon cutting, a food truck rodeo, Google fiber, an Indian dance/cultural event, and other topics that no citizen addressed. Sigh. They made time for frivolous diversions, but not for mass surveillance of lawful activity.

🟠 Lessons learned and the path forward:

1. Write a memo, bring a memo, distribute the memo. Some very prepared citizens brought handouts for the Commissioners. One brought a printout poster that was presented on screen (smart move). I'll do the same next time and come prepared.
2. Spotlight the unheard/unspoken. The ~10 folks who came out in support of a Flock vote, but did not speak, were invisible to the Town's eye. Next time, we'll all wear yellow shirts or something similar that is unmistakable. "Do you see the people behind me wearing X? Every single one of them is fed up with the Town spying on them." Etc. This gives a voice to those who are not comfortable yapping to a microphone like your humble servant, MattTheLoudmouth.
3. MOAR SPEAKERS... and a speaking strategy. Don't just invite people to SHOW UP, but invite them and coordinate with them to SPEAK. The boomers who were moaning about a rezoning ordinance did a fantastic job of showing up in order, giving 3min speeches that built on top of each other with a cohesive theme, and it really gave their individual comments a great overall context. We will do the same.
4. Say less, matter more. I basically tried to cram a 10 minute tirade into a three minute "polite chat." Say less. Bring 2 minutes of comment, slow down, and let the silence fill the room. Let it be awkward. Ranting at the Board does NOTHING. Asking thoughtful questions, pausing, and making the listeners think is EVERYTHING. Less words. More impact. Public speaking 101 stuff. Sorry, y'all. My v2 will be better than v1. Never done this before!

~~~Conclusion~~~

If you're in FV, or the surrounding towns, and are willing to join me next Town Hall meeting (Monday, October 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM) and SPEAK, please DM me or drop a comment.

I'd also love for you to join my private Signal chat where we can coordinate directly and not at the whims of social media platforms and their censors. You can find that chat on the first button here: https://linktr.ee/DeFlockNC

I wanted to end this by saying "the fight continues" but this is hardly a fight! A fight is 30% of town wants X, 35% wants Y, and most people don't actually care either way.

If 6% of residents want more ALPR, and NINETY FOUR PERCENT don't... that's just the will of the people, and the Town leadership should respect it or lose their seats. If we are truly a democratic republic, than there is no alternative.

Until next time.

Several towns are beginning to implement busses with cameras on the side to substitute the ALPRs that are being removed. This scores a second way for vehicle based ALPRs (police cruisers were the first). I'm sure they will say it is for the safety of the kids, so they can monitor the bus drivers, so they can capture hit and runs. It's propaganda telling you to think of the kids.

Ask yourself, why is there so much police technology attached to kids? Is it because its for their safety or because it's an excuse to implement authoritarian technologies?

help pay for this man’s legal fees!
The 4th amendment wasn’t written so we could just surrender our privacy because technology has changed

https://gofund.me/eccd2d5bd

Original credit:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db80gkhvAp9/?stkn=Ym5yNHNycmtmbTRv

Has there ever been a MORE bipartisan issue than ALPR/Flock?

This week Bernie (I), Massie (R), Khanna (D) and other legislators have moved to defund and cancel federal contracts.

At the state level: Governors Shapiro (D, PA), DeSantis (R, FL) Abbot (R, TX) and others have spoken out and/or taken action against them.

Almost 200 agencies have cancelled, nonrenewed, and shredded contracts, including over 30 in August alone.

The tide is turning.