Flock Safety installs over 80,000 AI cameras to combat crime in America

In August 2023, Flock Safety, a startup focused on crime prevention, expanded its innovative technology by area. The company, which operates out of Atlanta, Georgia, garnered attention as it installed more than 80,000 AI-powered cameras nationwide. These surveillance tools have become valuable assets for law enforcement across 49 states, with a reported 5,000 law enforcement customers utilizing their services. The cameras not only read license plates but also help in tracking down suspects effectively. The company began its operations in 2017, initially lacking direct experience in police technology but steadily growing a presence in the law enforcement market. CEO Garrett Langley leads Flock Safety's quest to eliminate crime, despite acknowledging the monumental challenge it poses. To expand its services further, Flock has invested in developing its own drones, produced at a factory near Atlanta, to mount their cameras and enhance surveillance capabilities. These drones aim to compete with established players like the Chinese drone manufacturer DJI. Despite being unprofitable at this stage, the company focuses on growth, fueled by a recent $275 million funding round led by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. Flock Safety's systems include proprietary software called FlockOS, which allows users to access data collected from the cameras through browsers or mobile apps. The cost to law enforcement agencies for each camera ranges between $3,000 and $3,500, with additional charges for FlockOS services based on users or cameras. These financial structures make cryptocurrencies increasingly accessible to potential users, thereby promoting widespread camera installations to support law enforcement efforts. Tech industry analysts are cautious about potential challenges. Some experts point out that while Flock Safety controls less than 15% of the U.S. law enforcement market valued at $11 billion, there are doubts regarding the overall efficacy of such plates in crime prevention or solving cases. Though Flock is perceived optimistically by many in law enforcement, skepticism has surfaced regarding the analytics and results obtained from these surveillance practices, highlighting the need for ongoing refinement of technology and implementation strategies.