LAPD sidelines relationship with license-plate reader company Flock Safety
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is pausing its relationship with Flock Safety, an ALPR camera company, due to concerns about data privacy, security, and control. The decision follows an inspector general’s audit highlighting instances of wrongful vehicle identification and broader concerns about data sharing practices. This marks the largest contract termination for Flock Safety to date, following similar actions in other cities.
The Los Angeles Police Department has temporarily halted its use of license plate reader (ALPR) technology provided by Flock Safety. This decision, announced on July 11th, stems from a recent audit conducted by the LAPD’s Inspector General, which revealed that Flock had incorrectly identified over 161 vehicles as stolen during a two-month period. The audit raised significant questions about the department’s control over the data collected by Flock’s cameras, including concerns about potential data sharing with immigration authorities and the use of the data to investigate individuals related to sensitive matters, such as suspected abortions.
The LAPD is seeking clearer contractual agreements outlining data ownership, usage restrictions, and accountability measures before resuming its partnership with Flock Safety. The department wants to ensure robust privacy protections and prevent misuse of the collected information.
Flock Safety, a leading provider of ALPR technology, has been used by numerous police departments across the United States. The company has faced scrutiny in recent months due to reports of sharing data with immigration enforcement and its use in tracking protestors. Flock Safety stated that it is working with the LAPD to address these concerns and implement stronger privacy safeguards.
Los Angeles is the largest police department to sever ties with Flock Safety, following contract terminations in cities like Seattle, Austin, Texas, Eugene, Oregon, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Dayton, Ohio. The LAPD’s decision reflects a growing national debate surrounding the use of ALPR technology and its potential impact on civil liberties.