Manvel Mayor Calls for Review of Flock Safety Camera Contract

Manvel, Texas Mayor Dan Davis has called for the city to re-evaluate its contract for Flock Safety license plate reader cameras. The mayor expressed concerns about data sharing, cybersecurity, privacy, and the financial implications of the system. This development comes as drivers increasingly question the presence and use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) on local roads.

Click2Houston reported that Mayor Davis shared his stance in a social media post, clarifying that his support for law enforcement technology does not extend to Flock Safety's specific practices. He indicated that extensive research and discussions led him to withdraw his support for the continued use of Flock cameras in Manvel.

What are the mayor's concerns about these cameras?

Mayor Davis stated that while ALPRs can assist law enforcement, his objections are specific to Flock Safety's operations. He highlighted several areas of concern:

• Data use and sharing practices
• Cybersecurity vulnerabilities
• The broader network of cameras and data aggregation
• Privacy implications for residents

Davis emphasized the need for strong safeguards, even while embracing technology for public safety. He noted that he has heard similar concerns from Manvel residents and believes their feedback should be a factor in the city's decision. A poll shared by the mayor on social media showed 66% of respondents favored discontinuing the cameras.

Council member Garrett Knox echoed these sentiments, stating he is open to removing the cameras if that is the will of the citizens. "I'm here to serve my citizens. I hear and see the concerns," Knox told Click2Houston.

Mayor Davis also spoke directly with a Flock representative about security vulnerabilities but did not receive satisfactory answers. "I asked what they are doing to address these key security vulnerabilities that still appear to be out there with their hardware. The account representative did not have an answer to that question and said he would have to get back with me, which is concerning," Davis said.

How does this affect drivers in Manvel?

For drivers in Manvel, the ongoing discussion means the future of the 21 Flock Safety cameras deployed in the city is uncertain. These cameras capture license plate information and vehicle characteristics, which are then stored and potentially shared across a wider network. If the city decides to remove them, drivers will have fewer of their movements tracked through ALPR technology in Manvel.

Drivers interested in understanding how ALPRs work and what data they collect can find more information on our /learn page. Knowing where these cameras are located is part of staying informed about your privacy on the road.

Another point of contention for Mayor Davis is the financial aspect of the contract. Manvel entered a four-year agreement with Flock Safety in 2024. Davis argues that with limited taxpayer funds, the money spent on Flock cameras could be better allocated to other public safety or infrastructure needs.

The Manvel City Council is scheduled to discuss the Flock Safety contract at their September 8th meeting. This meeting will determine the next steps for the cameras in Manvel and will be important for residents and drivers alike.