North Richland Hills Charges Privacy Group $2.3 Million for Records
The city of North Richland Hills is charging the Texas Privacy Coalition $2.3 million to fulfill a public records request regarding AI surveillance cameras.
The Government of North Richland Hills is requiring a $2.3 million up-front payment to fulfill a public records request concerning the use of AI-powered Flock Safety cameras. Phil Mynona of the Texas Privacy Coalition, who filed requests with nearly 200 law enforcement agencies, called the invoice "ludicrous" and an attempt to stifle transparency.
This incident follows a pattern of high fees for surveillance data across Texas. The city of Irving previously charged $70,000 for similar records, and KPRC news received a quote for $121,000. These restrictions come as scrutiny of the Flock Safety system grows, particularly after a Lufkin Police officer received a five-year prison sentence for using the cameras to stalk individuals.
In response to these concerns, Governor Greg Abbott blocked state funding and paused some camera installations during August and September. While Flock Safety offers transparency portals to share camera locations and search records, only a small number of Texas agencies have adopted them.
