Reports of police officers misusing Flock Safety license plate cameras have triggered widespread backlash against the automated license plate reader system. The technology, deployed in more than 120,000 cameras nationwide, captures vehicle data to assist law enforcement investigations.

Recent incidents have drawn particular scrutiny. In Milwaukee, two officers faced arrest for allegedly abusing the system to stalk romantic interests. Five former Albany, Georgia, police officers were arrested and fired in July for similar misuse. Additional cases emerged in Greer, South Carolina, and North Carolina, where an officer was charged with tracking an ex-partner's wife.

At least two dozen such allegations have surfaced in recent years, according to tracking by the Institute for Justice. A Washington Post report placed the total number of misuse cases at 50 or more and rising. These incidents have amplified existing concerns over data privacy and unauthorized sharing with federal agencies.

Cities across the country have responded by terminating contracts. Los Angeles ended its three-year partnership over data and security issues. Austin, Denver, Westland, Michigan, and others have followed suit. An anti-surveillance group called DeFlock estimates that 68 cities have rejected or scaled back Flock technology since 2021.

Vandalism of cameras has increased in some areas, including Texas and Florida. Protests are planned in multiple locations, with calls to disable devices or obscure license plates. Law enforcement agencies maintain that the cameras aid in solving crimes and locating missing persons, but the string of misconduct cases has eroded public trust in several communities.