What is the likelihood that Flock is collecting data for other parties than just the police forces that sign up for it? Our federal surveillance state would have an interest in their cameras being everywhere regardless of local interest.
I expect them to pivot to selling tips for civil enforcement as the police stuff dries up due to public outcry. There's already companies in this space doing Flockish stuff but they're not as prolific. It's way less regulated than the law enforcement stuff Flock is currently selling to. The accused's rights are basically nil. Unlike policing (in the typical case, yes speed trap towns exist) it's potentially also a huge money maker for municipalities so if the customer gets hooked on the revenue public outcry is less likely to uproot it. Another "pro" (if you call it that) to civil enforcement is that way more useful idiots will go to bat for it.
On Wednesday, Flock Safety replaced an automatic license plate reading camera in Plymouth, MN after the city canceled its contract, the company failed to acknowledge the cancelation, and eventually the Chief of Police had the cameras unplugged.
From current article lede: • Update 11/4/2026, 3:44pm ET: Following publication, Flock Safety responded to The Drive’s request for comment on the situation and said, “The cameras were unplugged before the cancellation could be formally processed, which automatically triggered maintenance orders. When the remaining work orders were removed, one was inadvertently missed. The newly installed camera is not collecting data. All removal orders have again been expedited and all cameras will be removed in the coming weeks.”
What is the likelihood that Flock is collecting data for other parties than just the police forces that sign up for it? Our federal surveillance state would have an interest in their cameras being everywhere regardless of local interest.
I expect them to pivot to selling tips for civil enforcement as the police stuff dries up due to public outcry. There's already companies in this space doing Flockish stuff but they're not as prolific. It's way less regulated than the law enforcement stuff Flock is currently selling to. The accused's rights are basically nil. Unlike policing (in the typical case, yes speed trap towns exist) it's potentially also a huge money maker for municipalities so if the customer gets hooked on the revenue public outcry is less likely to uproot it. Another "pro" (if you call it that) to civil enforcement is that way more useful idiots will go to bat for it.
Edit: Here's an example of the sort of slimy services Flock could start selling: https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/investigations/nbc-ct-respond...
On Wednesday, Flock Safety replaced an automatic license plate reading camera in Plymouth, MN after the city canceled its contract, the company failed to acknowledge the cancelation, and eventually the Chief of Police had the cameras unplugged.
Of couse this was a YC 2018. Leave it up to SV VCs to be megalomanicas with no concept of privacy
Title is: Flock Just Replaced a Camera My City Banned and Unplugged, Calling It ‘Broken’
Looks like a County road, which I believe the County Sheriff would have jurisdiction over.
I don’t see any attempt to obtain a comment from Hennepin County in this biased reporting.
From current article lede: • Update 11/4/2026, 3:44pm ET: Following publication, Flock Safety responded to The Drive’s request for comment on the situation and said, “The cameras were unplugged before the cancellation could be formally processed, which automatically triggered maintenance orders. When the remaining work orders were removed, one was inadvertently missed. The newly installed camera is not collecting data. All removal orders have again been expedited and all cameras will be removed in the coming weeks.”
Does that county have a contract with Flock?
As of last month, yes.
https://kstp.com/kstp-news/local-news/minneapolis-city-counc...