Flock Safety now operates over 100,000 automated license plate readers across the US, making it the dominant player in roadside surveillance. The cameras run modified Android and use AI to enable natural-language searches of footage. A national data-sharing network lets any participating police department search footage from other states, and ICE has accessed the data through local police partnerships. Security researcher Benn Jordan exposed serious flaws in late 2025, including 70 cameras with open internet access and no password protection, and demonstrated root access via physical Wi-Fi connection. Officers have repeatedly misused the system to track ex-partners, and false reads have led to wrongful stops. Residents have found Flock poles installed in front of their homes without notice. Cities trying to exit contracts have faced legal uncertainty, with some resorting to covering cameras with bin bags. Despite little evidence of crime reduction, the network continues to expand.
