The Austin American-Statesman reported that Flock cameras have become an unexpected campaign issue in Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican seeking a fourth term, has ordered state agencies to pause funding for the AI-powered devices.
Why did Abbott pause the funding?
Abbott said at a news conference on Monday, with rank-and-file Houston police officers, that he became concerned after hearing about officers misusing the cameras and alleged privacy violations. He said officials need to take a step back and do a thorough investigation of how the cameras are used.
The governor had taken a different tone in May. The Statesman reports that he criticized Austin and Travis County for being "behind the ball" on using the devices to catch suspects in a shooting spree.
In early August, the Washington Post reported cases of police officers across the country misusing the cameras to keep tabs on current and former love interests. Some officers faced charges of harassment, stalking and using the technology for personal purposes.
What does the pause do?
The pause does not require removing existing cameras. About two dozen Texas cities and counties have taken at least initial steps to remove their readers or end contracts with Flock. The Texas Department of Transportation has also stopped issuing permits for Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers on state roads.
State money for the cameras came from a $1 increase the Legislature approved in 2023 on a fee charged to auto insurers. That fee was meant to help combat catalytic converter thefts. The measure makes no specific mention of license plate readers.
Where do the candidates stand?
The governor's Democratic opponent, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, has accused Abbott of flip-flopping. She wants to shut the cameras down and says the Legislature should write a state policy next year.
U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico has said the technology has "no place in Texas," but he has not backed specific legislation. Republican nominee Ken Paxton has not taken a public position, and his campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
An August poll by Overton Insights and the conservative Texas Public Policy Foundation found that 64% of respondents opposed the cameras and 28% supported them. James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas, said the issue alone is unlikely to decide the election.
What is Flock doing about it?
Flock Safety, founded in 2017, is based in Atlanta and leads the market for automated plate readers. The company has hired two lobbyists in Texas for the 2027 legislative session. Its CEO, Garrett Langley, publicly apologized after the Post's report.
In a 13-minute video released last month, Langley said the cameras have provided evidence in over a million criminal investigations.
What changes for drivers?
The funding pause does not take cameras down on its own. The state permit freeze applies to state roads. The Statesman does not say which Texas cities or counties would be affected next.
To see where cameras are near you, use the camera map. For background, read how plate readers work.
The next test is the November election. Kenneth Feagin, chairman of the Collin County Libertarian Party, said the new concern was encouraging but might not last. "All it takes is the swipe of a pen after we're done in November, and all those things are back on the table."