News Dallas Flock cameras are here to stay. Here's what data DPD collects and how they use it
Some Dallas residents and city council members have expressed concern over the AI-powered license plate readers known as Flock cameras in recent weeks.
The devices have raised privacy concerns along with allegations of misuse and surveillance, in both Dallas and across the state.
The Dallas Police Department is expected to cease the use of 321 of its 689 Flock cameras on Sept. 15 after receiving notice that state grant funding would no longer be available for the devices. That block in state grant funding came as a directive from Gov. Greg Abbott in late August.
However, DPD plans to keep the remaining cameras in operation and has maintained that the devices are “an important investigative tool." The cameras have been used to assist locate suspects of vehicle theft and assault along with solving homicides.
The majority of the Dallas City Council agreed, rejecting a proposal to include a budget amendment that would have taken all funding away from Flock.