Flock Safety Faces Backlash Over ALPR Surveillance Network

Surveillance startup Flock Safety is facing mounting criticism over its network of automated license plate recognition cameras deployed across 5,000 communities in 49 states. The company, valued at $8.3 billion, provides law enforcement with tools to track vehicle movements using natural-language searches. While the company reported over $500 million in annual recurring revenue in the first half of 2026, it has seen 82 contracts terminated since 2021 and widespread camera vandalism in 36 states.

Controversy has intensified following reports of officer abuse, including stalking, and an audit by the Los Angeles Police Department Inspector General. The audit revealed that some contracts allow the company to retain data for five years, which contradicts the standard 30-day deletion policy. Privacy advocates argue the system enables surveillance capitalism and violates Fourth Amendment protections.

CEO Garrett Langley defends the technology as a critical tool for recovering stolen vehicles and solving violent crimes. Langley maintains that local communities, rather than the company, determine the rules for data sharing and retention. He asserts that recent privacy enhancements are intended to set an industry baseline for addressing officer abuse.