What Is Flock Safety? Who Uses It, Where It Came From, and Why Local Oversight Matters

Over the last few years, a company called Flock Safety has quietly expanded into cities across the United States, installing automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras on public roads, neighborhood entrances, and major corridors. Many residents only discover these cameras after they are already active. Understanding what Flock Safety is, who uses it, and how communities can engage in the decision-making process is an important step toward informed local governance.

What Is Flock Safety?

Flock Safety is a technology company that provides automated license plate recognition (ALPR) systems. These systems use cameras and artificial intelligence to capture images of vehicles as they pass, recording license plate numbers along with contextual details such as vehicle color, make, model, decals, and the time and location of the scan.

According to the company, Flock Safety’s stated goal is to help reduce crime and assist law enforcement in investigations. The cameras do not just read plates; they create searchable vehicle databases that can be queried after incidents occur.

Who Uses Flock Safety?

Flock Safety systems are used by a wide range of entities, including:

• Local police departments

• Homeowners associations (HOAs)

• Apartment complexes

• Gated communities

• Businesses and commercial properties

• Municipal governments

In many cases, access to the data is shared between private entities and law enforcement agencies. Policies on data retention, access, and oversight vary by jurisdiction, which is one reason community awareness and discussion are so important.

Where Did Flock Safety Come From?

Flock Safety was founded in 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. The company grew rapidly by marketing its cameras as an easy-to-install, subscription-based public safety solution. Backed by venture capital funding, Flock expanded nationwide in a short period of time, often entering cities through pilot programs or vendor agreements that receive little public attention.

As the company has grown, so have questions about data privacy, long-term surveillance, and the lack of consistent public oversight.

Flock Cameras in Bryan–College Station

In the Bryan–College Station area, there are currently 24 known Flock Safety cameras installed and operating. Public records and city discussions indicate that more cameras are planned, meaning the system’s footprint in the area is expected to grow.

For many residents, the concern is not just the number of cameras, but the pace at which they are being deployed and the limited public discussion surrounding them.

Why Community Involvement Matters

Technology that monitors public movement raises legitimate questions about privacy, data sharing, retention periods, and mission creep. Regardless of where someone stands on the issue, decisions of this magnitude should involve public input.

The most effective way to get involved is through:

• Attending city council meetings

• Speaking during public comment periods

• Asking elected officials about data policies and oversight

• Requesting transparency on camera locations and access agreements

• Engaging in respectful, informed discussions with local leaders

City councils are responsible for approving contracts, permits, and policies related to surveillance technology. When residents show up, ask questions, and voice concerns, it creates accountability and ensures decisions reflect the values of the community—not just the convenience of new technology.

Staying Informed

Awareness is the first step. Whether you support or oppose the use of Flock Safety cameras, understanding how they work and how they are governed is essential. Communities function best when residents are informed, engaged, and willing to participate in local decision-making.

Surveillance infrastructure, once installed, is rarely rolled back. That makes early discussion and civic involvement more important than ever.