Texans Oppose Use of Flock Cameras
A recent poll reveals that a significant majority of Texans are against the use of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs), like Flock cameras, in their communities. The Overton Insights/Texas Public Policy Foundation survey shows that 63.6% of respondents either somewhat oppose or strongly oppose the presence of these cameras.
The opposition is particularly pronounced among those who voted for Democrats in the Texas primary, with about 76.2% expressing their disapproval. In contrast, 54.7% of Republican voters also showed opposition, which, while less than their Democratic counterparts, still reflects a notable sentiment against the technology.
Interestingly, the divide between political ideologies is clear. Among those who identify as “very liberal,” 91.2% oppose Flock cameras, while 84.8% of those who consider themselves “liberal” share similar sentiments. Even two-thirds of moderate Texans are not in favor. On the other hand, conservatives are somewhat less opposed, with 49.7% saying they disapprove and 56.9% of those identifying as “very conservative” expressing opposition.
The poll was conducted with a sample of 1,167 Texans from August 24 to 26, utilizing peer-to-peer text invitations sent to randomly selected phone numbers linked to voter records. The margin of error for this survey stands at 2.9%.
Results indicate that opposition to Flock cameras is a common thread, regardless of how long individuals have lived in Texas—whether they’re newcomers or native Texans. The opposition rates are fairly similar across genders, with 62.6% of men and 64.6% of women reporting they are against the use of these cameras.
The complete findings of the Overton Insights/Texas Public Policy Foundation poll will be made public on Wednesday.
In a separate discussion surrounding this technology, President Trump recently addressed the topic after being questioned by the Daily Caller. When asked about his position on Flock cameras, Trump acknowledged that the subject is currently under review, stating, “It’s being studied right now.” He promised that a clearer stance would emerge in the upcoming weeks.
In response to the ongoing debate, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed state agencies to halt funding for Flock cameras. This decision was prompted by a report indicating that over $30 million in grants had already been allocated to local law enforcement for the installation of these cameras.
An Abbott spokesperson clarified that while cities may receive federal funding for this technology, any state agency funds cannot be used for Flock cameras.
