The Dallas Police Department plans to deactivate 321 Flock license plate reader cameras by Sept. 15, according to officials who presented the update during a Dallas City Council Public Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday. More than 300 other units will remain operational across the city.
Dallas police described the technology as a valuable asset for criminal investigations because it captures vehicle and license plate data. The department also informed council members about changes to data access protocols, noting that outside-agency access has dropped from over 1,500 agencies to just 202. All remaining agencies are located in Texas, and federal access has been halted.
The decision follows a directive from Gov. Greg Abbott last week ordering state agencies to stop using the technology due to privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns. Dallas police stated that system access is restricted and searches undergo audits.
Council member Kathy Stewart emphasized the need to prevent misuse of the cameras during the meeting. "The misuse has got to be our focus right now," Stewart said. "We have got to be able to assure the public and reinstate trust that this tool can be used."
Dallas joins other Texas communities adjusting their use of Flock technology. Guadalupe County recently ended its contract citing costs and vandalism, while Hood County terminated its agreement due to privacy worries.
