this post was submitted on 05 Sep 2026
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Yeah I think people would feel much better if the cameras were operated by the local police department, and they were the only ones that had access to it.
ALPR (automatic license plate recognition) cameras have been around for a long time, but it previously wasn't an issue because access to the data was restricted. Same with security CCTV cameras. Other jurisdictions had to subpoena the data rather than being able to instantly access everything.
Flock's cameras are much more than ALPR though. They make a profile of every car they see, and can track cars even if they don't have license plates based on identifying features (dents, big scratches, bumper stickers, etc).
Considering the ridiculous amount of stalking from cops using these cameras, no, I don't think people would be OK with only local cops having access
They should have to get a warrant, because of the fourth amendment.
Should, yes, but they won't. Cops in the US are some of the most corrupt people. The simpler and safer solution is to not have the cameras at all. Mass surveillance is never the answer
The local police should also need to go to court to access their own cameras. The 4th amendment protects against police surveiling people without a warrant.
I'm pretty sure part of why this is all being done is because the police can't legally do this. A third party company can though, and police can purchase access (in their theory at least, though this is being tested).
Maybe police shouldn't be allowed to pay a third party to do something they themselves aren't allowed to do. Just a thought.
Absolutely. It's stupid that they maybe possibly can. It's being tested in the courts. They definitely are allowed to abuse it to some extent, but maybe not like they are with these cameras. It doesn't make any sense either way though.
The way phone data works, they have to get a warrant. They aren't legally allowed to obtain it from phone companies until they have one, even if the company is more than happy to provide it. How this doesn't automatically apply in the same way to these cameras is crazy.
I agree. I don't like that a private company is involved, at all. Companies should just supply the hardware, and not have full access to the system.