Dallas Police To Shut Down Hundreds Of Flock Cameras

Authored by Jack Phillips via The Epoch Times,

The police department in Dallas has announced it will shut down hundreds of Flock cameras due to a funding pause, making it another U.S. city to remove the controversial camera system.

The department said in a social media post on Sept. 1 that it received a notice that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a directive ending funding for Flock camera use.

Flock cameras are artificial intelligence (AI)-driven, automated license plate reader systems that capture vehicle details and license plates, with more than 120,000 cameras found throughout the United States. They have drawn online controversy over concerns regarding data privacy, surveillance overreach, and their potential misuse.

"These cameras remain an important investigative tool and are used daily by detectives and officers to develop leads, identify vehicles associated with criminal activity, and assist in solving crimes," the Dallas Police Department said on X.

It added that it will "continue evaluating available resources and technology to ensure our officers and detectives have effective tools to support investigations and enhance public safety."

Dallas Police officials said