The Dallas Police Department is removing 321 automated license plate reader units from service by Sept. 15, cutting its operational network in half. The reduction follows Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to pause state funding for the system due to privacy concerns.
Sgt. Adam Reinhart told the Dallas City Council Public Safety Committee that the department currently operates 684 Flock cameras. With the loss of state support, that number will drop to approximately 360 units. The deactivation was confirmed during a Sept. 9 status update provided to city leaders.
Dallas City Council member Kathy Stewart emphasized the need to address misuse of the technology. She stated that restoring public trust is essential for the tool to remain viable. Concerns about law enforcement abuse have intensified after three Harris County deputies were caught using the system for personal purposes.
Phil Mynona, co-founder of the Texas Privacy Coalition, argued that shutting down half the cameras does not resolve underlying issues. He called for greater transparency regarding data access and sharing practices. Mynona noted that some police departments do not disclose who receives their data, pointing to inter-agency transfers across state lines.
Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux highlighted the investigative value of the cameras in August. He reported that 13 murders have been solved this year using Flock data. Sgt. Reinhart added that the system has helped locate critical missing persons from out of state.
