Flock “can’t tech its way out” of the stalker cop problem, experts say
Summary
Flock, a company that provides license plate reader technology to police, announced it will require agencies to use a new safety tool that detects and blocks cops who misuse access to stalk people they know. The tool suspends access when abnormal behavior is detected and requires admin review to restore it. However, experts and groups like the ACLU say there is no clear proof the tool works well, and police departments need to be more open about misuse cases for real accountability.Key Facts
- Flock’s new safety tool automatically detects unusual user activity and locks out officers who abuse their access to license plate reader data.
- The tool has been available as a free option since April, but only about one-third of agencies used it before it became mandatory.
- A Georgia sheriff’s office arrested three officers who abused Flock cameras to stalk people they knew, prompting the company to mandate the tool’s use.
- The ACLU says there is no independent proof the tool consistently detects abuse and recommends outside evaluation.
- Experts warn that without full transparency from police agencies about abuse cases, it is hard to know if the tool is effective.
- Local agencies decide if and how to discipline officers who misuse the technology, which experts say may limit accountability.
- Police misconduct cases are often handled quietly, making it easy to hide abuses of technology like Flock’s cameras.
- Even with monitoring tools, experts say political will and proper consequences are needed to stop rule-breaking by officers.
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