The presence of Flock Safety's automatic license plate readers on Texas streets has come under scrutiny as state officials demand a halt to operations. According to the Houston Chronicle, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issued a cease-and-desist order to the company on July 10, accusing it of functioning as an unlicensed private security business. This action arrives amidst a growing reliance on such surveillance technology by various law enforcement agencies in the region.
The issue raised by DPS does not seem to affect government and law enforcement's current use of the technology, as the company assures continuity of service for the state's crime-fighting efforts. In a statement obtained by KHOU 11, officials from Flock Safety commented, "Flock has been proactively working with the Texas Department of Public Safety to determine which licenses apply to Flock. When DPS informed us we need to complete a certification process for a private investigations license, we immediately initiated the process and we anticipate we will obtain the official certification shortly. This will not change how we serve customers throughout the state." The surveillance company emphasized that its technology assists over 300 law enforcement agencies in Texas alone, playing a crucial role in resolving various serious crimes.
Despite the reassurances from Flock Safety, privacy concerns have surfaced, as highlighted by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas. Nick Hudson, ACLU of Texas policy and advocacy strategist, told KHOU 11, "These companies are building a gigantic nationwide database of license plates that raise some really serious privacy and safety concerns." The ACLU urges the implementation of stringent legal frameworks to govern the technology's use and ensure adherence to privacy standards. In their defense, Flock Safety states that they delete collected data after 30 days to mitigate such concerns.
The agility provided by these cameras has been repeatedly lauded by law enforcement across Harris County, proclaiming a positive impact on crime-solving efficacy. The cameras' utility was exemplified in their involvement in high-profile cases, such as the tracking of Athir Murady, who is accused of killing Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Maher Husseini and aiding in the investigation of the murder of a local rapper, BTB Savage, as the Houston Chronicle reported. However, the abrupt necessity for a licensing review underscores the growing pains that accompany the rapid advancement and proliferation of surveillance technology in public spaces.
As of now, there has been no immediate public response from DPS regarding the cease-and-desist order or any further clarification on the potential implications for Flock Safety's operations moving forward. Meanwhile, Mayor John Whitmire and the Houston Police Department have deferred comments to DPS, maintaining a tight-lipped approach as this regulatory issue unfolds.
