Local & State
Flock license plate camera backlash spreads as states and cities pull back
PN Team • 2 months ago
Backlash against Flock Safety's license plate reader network continues to widen across the country. In Ohio, Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey has paused use of the county's 75 Flock cameras and payments to the company while seeking answers on data sharing, though she said no misuse occurred among her deputies. In Arizona, Cottonwood became the latest city to suspend Flock use, joining Tempe, Chandler and Pinal County, after community backlash and a statewide review launched by Attorney General Kris Mayes. Cottonwood's city council plans a work session later this month before deciding on the technology's future there.
Florida has gone further, banning local police from placing Flock and similar cameras on state highways and revoking existing permits, after Gov. Ron DeSantis said usage had "gotten out of control." That follows Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's order pausing state funding for the cameras. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found Americans split on Flock, with more opposing than supporting its use, along sharp partisan lines. Flock, which operates roughly 120,000 cameras nationwide, says it supports added privacy safeguards rather than bans. The issue is emerging as a flashpoint in midterm campaigns.
Sentiment
- Ron DeSantis DeSantis is portrayed favorably as taking decisive action against out-of-control camera use, aligning with public concern.
- Florida Florida is depicted as banning the cameras on highways after acknowledging misuse concerns, reflecting negatively on prior oversight.
- Arizona Arizona is mentioned as the site of multiple city suspensions and a statewide review of the technology.
- Greg Abbott Abbott is noted for pausing state funding for the cameras, a neutral policy action responding to public concern.
- Texas Texas is referenced for Abbott's funding pause, a neutral/mild negative context tied to the controversy.