What to know about the controversial cameras – reflector.com

What to know about the controversial cameras  reflector.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If you haven’t seen one, you’ve probably at least heard of the controversial camera system that snaps photos of license plates and shares a name with groups A Flock camera is seen Aug. 20 in the 3400 block of El Conquistador Parkway in Bradenton, Florida. CHARLOTTE — If you haven’t seen one, you’ve probably at least heard of the controversial camera system that snaps photos of license plates and shares a name with groups of birds: Flock. An Atlanta-based company, Flock cameras have been touted by law enforcement officers for helping solve crimes like thefts and missing people. They hang on poles, facing parking lots and private businesses as well as housing developments.

An investigation published by the News & Observer in May 2024 found the majority of license plate readers in North Carolina were made by Flock Safety. Despite praise from law enforcement, the cameras have come under scrutiny from citizens and elected officials. Many have raised concerns about surveillance issues and abuse by police. Some have vandalized the cameras. Some groups, including DeFlock, crowdsource the sites of Flock cameras and map them out, give an overview of the technology and track places where they’ve been removed or contracts have been terminated. So why is it such a big deal? What do Flock cameras really do?