Flock says its new tool will help identify police abuse, but hasn’t explained how it works
Surveillance startup Flock has introduced new tools and policies, including 'Audit Assistance,' to help police departments identify and prevent abuse of their license plate reader systems. However, the company has faced criticism for failing to provide technical details on how these monitoring tools actually function.
Why it matters
As police use of surveillance technology grows, the lack of transparency regarding accountability tools raises significant concerns about privacy and oversight.
Surveillance technology startup Flock announced a series of new policies and tools on Thursday, claiming they will help curb abuse of its automated license plate camera reader systems and help keep its law enforcement customers accountable.
Flock is now recommending police departments retain data for seven days rather than the previous 30 days. Along with this change, the company introduced what it calls “Evidence Mode,” which can be turned on when customers need to retain data for longer periods in “exceptional cases” and requires a specific case number. Customers will also now be able to set limits on the data they share with other customers based on the type of offense that’s under investigation.
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