- Flock will be conducting a review of camera pole installations across its network to ensure they meet engineering, permitting, and installation standards.
- Flock CEO Garrett Langley spoke with Eimers after the safety advocate contacted him on X.
- Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Police Department allowed its contract with the company to expire.
- The new safety concerns come amid growing scrutiny of Flock and its sprawling surveillance network.
- Advocates warn that some Flock license plate readers may not meet safety standards.
- A camera installed beside a narrow, two-lane rural road in Greene County, Ohio, sits atop a black metal pole about two feet from the edge of the pavement, making it difficult to see at night.
- According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, license plate readers installed along roads without curbs should be at least eight feet from the road.
- The pole also lacks a breakaway plate, a safety feature designed to allow a roadside pole to snap when struck by a vehicle, reducing the force of the impact.
- Steve Eimers found only one Flock pole in Erie County, Ohio, with the required breakaway plate.
- Flock is not a sophisticated user of roadside safety hardware, according to Eimers.
Flock license plate cameras are facing increased scrutiny as advocates raise alarms about potential safety standard violations. A recent report revealed a camera installed dangerously close to a narrow road in Greene County, Ohio, violating state guidelines that require such installations to be at least eight feet from the road.8
The camera's pole, positioned just two feet from the pavement, lacks a breakaway plate, a crucial safety feature that minimizes impact during vehicle collisions. According to safety advocate Eimers, only one Flock pole in Erie County meets this requirement. He stated, “Flock is not a sophisticated user of roadside safety hardware.”11
These concerns come as Flock, which primarily sells automated license plate readers (ALPRs) to law enforcement, faces growing criticism over its expansive surveillance network. Privacy advocates have also voiced concerns about the cameras' ability to collect location data on individuals not suspected of crimes, often without proper legal justification.
In response to these issues, Flock CEO Garrett Langley acknowledged the safety concerns and indicated that the company would conduct a thorough review of its camera installations. He mentioned, “I spoke with Eimers after the safety advocate contacted me on X.” This review aims to ensure compliance with engineering, permitting, and installation standards as the company navigates increasing scrutiny from both safety and privacy advocates.
“Advocates have raised alarms about Flock's license plate readers, noting that some may not meet safety standards, including proper installation distances. In response, Flock announced a review of its camera pole installations to ensure compliance with engineering and safety regulations.”
Gizmodo
