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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - Flock cameras in Harris County's Precinct Four are officially shut off and covered up, according to the precinct commissioner.
Harris County Flock cameras: Precinct 4 system offline
What they're saying:
Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones announced on Thursday that she directed her staff to "decommission and cover all Flock cameras installed on Precinct 4 property." That includes 13 automatic license plate readers and 48 security cameras across nine parks and facilities.
In a news release, Commissioner Briones says locals raised concerns about "outside-agency access, vendor disclosure authority, improper searches by authorized users, and retention of downloaded records after the original data expires."
She then says that Flock cameras can be "useful tools, but private ownership of the data and the use of AI present serious issues."
Photo courtesy of Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones' office
"I have heard my Precinct 4 residents’ legitimate concerns and am committed to addressing them. I will work closely with the community, my colleagues on Commissioners Court, our law enforcement partners, and our Harris County Attorney to determine the best path forward for the entire county. But I cannot wait to act. These Precinct 4 cameras are offline," Briones' statement reads.
Flock controversy
Big picture view:
Flock has been used across the country to help find missing seniors, catch car thieves, and provide evidence in high-profile criminal cases.
Despite its successes, more than 50 agencies or jurisdictions have canceled, suspended or rejected a contract or deactivated their cameras since the beginning of the year, according to a tracker maintained by DeFlock, a grassroots group formed to track the use of license plate reader technology and push back against it.
Cameras around the country have also been vandalized.
Flock Safety to tighten surveillance rules, audit checks following backlash
Flock Safety, the surveillance technology company announced Thursday that it is making changes to its platform intended to quell privacy concerns and address documented abuses of its system by some members of law enforcement.
Local perspective:
The Houston area has not been spared from the controversy as multiple agencies alleged Flock misuse by employees and split decisions for city leaders to shut down their systems.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has previously called for a special Commissioners Court meeting to discuss Flock cameras and privacy concerns.
What's next:
Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) are on the agenda for Harris County Commissioners Court next Thursday, October 15.
Previous reports
- Chambers County sheriff defends Flock cameras, plans to add more
- City of Manvel unanimously approves to remove cameras
- City of Willis announces they've discontinued, shut off cameras
- Former Katy police officer charged with stalking, misuse of official information involving Flock camera
- Conroe police investigate threats, harassment targeting city officials and staff
The Source: Statement from the office of Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones and previous FOX 26 reporting.