AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered Texas state agencies to stop funding Flock surveillance cameras as officials face growing scrutiny over the use and potential misuse of the AI-powered license plate readers.
Abbott issued the order Thursday night, his spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris confirmed Friday. The order came as the Texas Tribune prepared to publish an investigation into state funding that helped local law enforcement agencies build a statewide network of Flock cameras.
“To the extent that cities get any funding for those cameras, most of it comes from the federal government,” Mahaleris said in a statement. “To the extent any funding comes from Texas agencies, those agencies are clarifying that those funds cannot be used for Flock cameras.”
The Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority has helped state and local agencies install at least 3,200 Flock cameras since 2023. A board appointed largely by Abbott oversees the authority.
The authority used grants funded through a 2023 law that added $1 to Texas auto insurance policies to combat catalytic converter theft. Lawmakers told the Tribune that legislators did not discuss using the money for Flock cameras or similar surveillance technology before the bill passed unanimously.
Flock cameras use artificial intelligence to capture license plate information and identify vehicle characteristics such as make, model and color. The systems can also record details including bumper stickers and vehicle damage.
Police departments that operate Flock cameras can grant other law enforcement agencies access to their systems, creating a network that extends beyond individual jurisdictions.
Abbott described the state’s response as a “crackdown” during a radio interview Friday. He said cities and counties have started canceling contracts with Flock Safety as residents raise privacy concerns and authorities investigate alleged misuse.
Abbott cited a Lufkin police officer facing 100 counts of misuse of public information for allegedly using Flock cameras to monitor 11 people for more than a year.
At least six Texas police departments and sheriff’s offices have announced in the past month that officers faced investigations, administrative leave or criminal charges related to alleged misuse of the technology.
“This is something that is easily containable, easily controllable,” Abbott said during an interview with Glenn Beck. He said officials would reduce the use of Flock cameras and require agencies to use them responsibly if they continue operating them.
