Police Used Flock Surveillance Cameras to Issue Traffic Ticket, Contradicting Privacy Promises
Georgia State Patrol used Flock automated license plate reader cameras to issue a traffic ticket to a motorcyclist allegedly looking at his phone, despite widespread assurances that Flock cameras are not used for traffic enforcement.
The Incident
The ticket from December 26 in Coffee County, Georgia lists the offense as holding a wireless device, with the note: CAPTURED ON FLOCK CAMERA 31 MM 1 HOLDING PHONE IN LEFT HAND.
The Contradiction
Flock cameras are explicitly pitched as tools for solving serious crimes, finding stolen vehicles, and locating missing people. Many police departments tell residents they are not traffic enforcement cameras. Examples:
- Glenwood Springs, Colorado: does not use Flock for traffic enforcement
- El Paso, Texas: these are not traffic enforcement cameras, they do not issue tickets
- Lynnwood, Washington: cameras will not be used for traffic infractions
The Reality
Despite these assurances, Flock cameras have been used for traffic enforcement, immigration enforcement, and monitoring First Amendment activity. Police can use these cameras for essentially whatever they want with very few limitations. Network audits show police often do not list any reason for searching a license plate.
The Georgia man showed up in court and the ticket was dropped.
Source: 404 Media