Flock implements new controls to combat police misuse of surveillance tools

In the United States, law enforcement technology company Flock has rolled out new safety controls aimed at addressing growing concerns regarding surveillance and potential misuse of its tools by police. This announcement came after a series of incidents where police officers were found to have abused the company's license plate reader camera system, including cases of stalking former partners. The scrutiny surrounding these incidents has led to increased calls from privacy advocates and community members for greater accountability in law enforcement practices. Some cities have even opted to cancel their contracts with Flock, while others have turned to competitors like Axon for their surveillance needs.

The new safety measures introduced by Flock include an Audit Assistance feature that locks users out of the system if unusual search patterns are detected, pending an administrator review. This proactive approach is designed to prevent misuse before it becomes a recurring issue, rather than simply documenting it after the fact. Additionally, users will now be required to input a case number to justify each search, with exceptions made for genuine emergencies that will be flagged for review. This requirement, which was previously optional, is set to become mandatory for all agencies by the end of the year.

Flock is also implementing an 'evidence mode' feature that allows agencies to preserve data longer than the standard retention policy when tied to specific case numbers. Furthermore, local jurisdictions will have the option to limit how outside agencies can access data from their cameras, allowing for more control over the use of surveillance technology. These updates are part of Flock's efforts to rebuild trust in its products and ensure responsible use by law enforcement.

Despite these measures, Flock's CEO, Langley, has expressed a desire for state regulators to impose stricter accountability measures on police practices. He advocates for mandatory audits and tools to detect unusual behavior across all law enforcement technology, as well as harsher penalties for abuses of power. The company's future may depend on its ability to restore confidence in its surveillance tools and the responsible use of these technologies by police departments, especially as competition in the market increases.