Governor Greg Abbott has ordered all state agencies in Texas to pause funding for Flock cameras due to increasing scrutiny over the AI-powered surveillance devices. This directive was issued as The Texas Tribune prepared to publish an investigation revealing that a state agency had allocated at least $30 million to enhance the state’s Flock surveillance network through grants to local police departments.
Abbott's order, confirmed by his spokesman on Friday, came on Thursday night. "To the extent that cities get any funding for those cameras, most of it comes from the federal government. To the extent any funding comes from Texas agencies, those agencies are clarifying that those funds cannot be used for Flock cameras," stated Abbott spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris.
The Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority, overseen by a board largely appointed by Abbott, has facilitated the installation of at least 3,200 Flock cameras since 2023. The Department of Public Safety is installing nearly 1,200 of these cameras under a three-year, $15.9 million contract with the authority. The funding for these grants originated from a 2023 law that increased Texas auto insurance policies by $1 to address catalytic converter theft. Prior to the law's passage, there had been no discussion regarding the use of these funds for Flock cameras, according to lawmakers.
Flock cameras function as advanced license plate readers, employing artificial intelligence to monitor and store data on vehicle characteristics, including make, model, color, and additional details such as bumper stickers and dents. Agencies utilizing Flock cameras can share access with other departments, forming a vast nationwide network.
In response to the funding pause, Flock Safety issued a statement expressing support for "thoughtful legislation" that includes privacy protections while allowing law enforcement to use their technology for public safety. The statement emphasized that Flock’s technology is a crucial tool for law enforcement in Texas, aiding in crime resolution, locating missing persons, recovering stolen vehicles, and enhancing community safety.
During a radio interview on Friday morning, Abbott discussed a crackdown occurring in Texas, noting that several cities and counties have begun terminating contracts with Flock Safety amid rising privacy concerns and reports of misuse. He referenced a case involving a Lufkin police officer facing 100 counts of misusing public information by allegedly surveilling 11 individuals using Flock cameras over an extended period. In the past month, at least six police departments and sheriff’s offices in Texas have announced investigations or disciplinary actions against officers.
Abbott stated, "This is something that is easily containable, easily controllable, and we’re ensuring that whether it be through criminal crackdowns, whether it be through cancellation of contracts, whatever the case may be, Flock cameras are being reduced dramatically. They’re going to be required to be used responsibly if they’re used at all."
Earlier this week, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rep. Gina Hinojosa released an advertisement criticizing Abbott for the proliferation of Flock cameras, labeling them as a means of "warrantless surveillance." Hinojosa's social media post urged Abbott to "stop turning Texas into a surveillance state."
Concerns regarding the extensive reach of Flock’s network and the volume of data captured by each camera have been raised by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. Law enforcement agencies participating in Flock’s national lookup program can access data from other agencies across the country.
In July, Republican U.S. Rep. Keith Self proposed legislation requiring federal agencies to obtain warrants before accessing Flock camera data, asserting that the bill would restore privacy rights. "Americans’ Fourth Amendment right to be secure in their privacy does not disappear just because of new technology or artificial intelligence," Self stated.