Website Lets Drivers Check If Their License Plate Is in Flock Camera Database
A new site enables motorists to enter their plate numbers to discover whether Flock surveillance cameras have recorded them, amid growing privacy concerns and recent vandalism of the cameras.
A publicly available website called "Have I Been Flocked?" allows users to input their license-plate numbers to determine if a Flock automated camera has captured and stored their vehicle data. Flock, a surveillance-technology firm, operates a nationwide network of license-plate readers that provide information to law-enforcement agencies for investigative purposes.
The company has faced recent criticism over privacy and data-use issues. In response, its chief executive announced plans to tighten safeguards, including a requirement that law-enforcement clients use an audit tool designed to flag unusual search activity.
Several municipalities in Minnesota have reported damage to or removal of Flock cameras. Winona police confirmed that eight cameras were cut down and stolen, and the department will not replace them. Similar incidents have been reported in Plymouth, Edina, Anoka County, and Faribault, where a man was charged with stealing a camera. Sherburne County and Columbia Heights have also announced they will discontinue use of the technology.