Posted on 08/21/2026 3:35:30 PM PDT by Libloather
We have met the enemy — and it is watching us.
There’s a growing backlash against Flock cameras, the automated license plate readers that have become ubiquitous across the country.
The cameras take images of license plates and store them in a searchable database that police departments can query in the course of their investigations.
Opponents of the cameras consider them an instrument of Big Brother, who’s not only watching, but constantly recording and tracking.
Vandals have disabled and stolen the Flock cameras, and even shot them.
There’s a movement to get jurisdictions to cancel their contracts with Flock (the leading such company, but not the only one), and it’s met with some success.
Los Angeles just let its contract with Flock lapse, citing “serious concerns around civil liberties and civil rights issues.”
There’s a reason, though, that police departments so rapidly adopted the cameras — they are an extremely useful investigative tool.
It is certainly true that the technology, like any power we give the police, can be mis-used.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
I didn’t follow the Congressman based on a Flock camera.
Go to hell. My grandfather was a police officer.
Scumbag.
So, let’s say I follow and photo Taylor Swift, and record her location and times.
They come after me for stalking, right?
Is Flock stalking me? Sure feels like it!
Maybe I should trademark my image and car image. Kind of like Elvis’ estate does. Then collect $ when the record and store it. ???
I no say bad thing. My account hack! Cho Biden good guy. You scary man, no follow me.
If it’s about safety, release the video from Epstein island. Release the video from January 6th.
“Negative drawback is less and less privacy and how your travels could be used against you.”
.
Could be?
That is exactly what is going on right now.
Not to mention putting up cameras in children’s play area INDOORS (not to many “license plates” in there), kiddy pools, zoomed into tennis courts, its pretty clear what the cops are “up” to.
And oh yeah, way in the back is that dusty old box that has the Constitution of The United States of America in it.
You know, the one that corrupt cops that support warrantless EVERYTHING keep screeching about how they are not violating, while pushing it to the back of the storage shed.
Yes sir! Living the dream!!
.
The statist pedos that run government
The statist pedos that run government
Calling it a “knee jerk” reaction, is a knee jerk reaction by the statists who only crave more control over everything you do.
RPG-9
Abuse of information by LEOs is always wrong. But cameras are just an automated way of doing what cops have always done and which is supported by decades of case law.
People seem to think they have a right of privacy in public spaces. With few exceptions, they do not and never have. It’s just that Flock has leveled the playing field, making much more likely that public actions will be observed.
Utopia sure is gonna suck.
“If a drunk is going 80 mph in a 15 mph school zone I don’t have a problem with using a camera to stop that behavior.”
You don’t really believe that catching speeders the reason for Flock cameras, do you? Interesting that they’re ubiquitous all of a sudden, at the very same time that monster data centers all of a sudden are invading us.
I don't know... I haven't given too much thought to the specifics of flock cameras, but...
There is no expectation of privacy in public places. There is no 4th amendment issue here that I can see. Now, if the car was parked in your garage and the police showed up to see the car in your garage, then yes, a warrant is required.
That said, I wouldn't mind some oversight on the use of flock database. I would support a police officer or detective requiring a capatain's approval to search the database, so there is a senior officer's approval on the record.
The problem, to me, isn't the camera, it's the license plate. I don't think the license plate on the car is in the same class as "being secure in your papers". A license plate is evidence that you registered the car for safe operation on public roads. Having a flock camera recording your license plate is no different than when Lovely Rita records your license plate number on a parking ticket or an automated toll camera records your passing.
I'm open to debate on this, but this is my first take on the issue.
-PJ
Spare me. The powers behind this care not one whit about public order or prosecuting criminals. It’s about totalitarian control.
The first rule of Flock club is YOU DO NOT TALK ABOUT FLOCK CLUB.
That’s all carry on and sawzall away Patriots.
And yes, they can be misused. On the other hand many of those most outspoken against them hate the police and are soft on crime.
The assertion that only those with something to hide need to worry about surveillance is widely considered a logical fallacy and a dangerous misconception. Privacy advocates and experts argue that this view mistakenly equates privacy with secrecy, ignoring that privacy is a fundamental human right essential for dignity, autonomy, and democracy, not just a shield for wrongdoing.
All flock database searches should be recorded and tied to a specific individual.
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