Flock cameras record video of vehicles that pass by them and can be a valuable tool for law enforcement when used appropriately. However, their use has generated debate, with some supporters pointing to public safety benefits while others raise concerns about privacy.

Law enforcement agencies use Flock cameras to help locate wanted suspects, stolen vehicles, and individuals connected to criminal investigations. The cameras do not track vehicle speed or issue traffic tickets. Instead, officers can search the system for a specific license plate number and view locations where that vehicle has been recorded by the camera network.

“You shouldn’t have to worry about it if you’re doing the right thing, like driving the speed limit and not driving recklessly,” senior Jason Harville said.

Flock cameras are an automated license plate system made by Flock Safety that photograph passing vehicles and record details such as car color, make and bumper stickers. Also, any unique features such as scratches or dents.

 “I think they are valuable in law enforcement; unfortunately, they can be abused. The biggest problem I have with Flock cameras is that the information they take is kept overseas, and I don’t think it should be used to capture everybody who goes through. I like the Flock cameras when there’s a crime, like a stolen vehicle, robbery or kidnapping. You can put that information into the system, and it will tell you where those vehicles are to use for that purpose in law enforcement. That is an invaluable tool if they can figure out how to use them where they do not capture everything and just use them for that purpose,” School Resource Officer Lance McCloud said.

McCloud said the cameras provide clear benefits for law enforcement, but he believes questions about how information is collected, stored and accessed still need to be addressed.

“I think they are great. But the current way they capture everyone’s information everywhere you go, and it’s all stored overseas. I think that could get into the wrong hands, and they need to figure out how to use them,” McCloud said.