Kentucky GOP Introduces Bill Against Flock Safety Cameras

On Saturday, Kentucky Republicans announced that Rep. Thomas Massie plans to introduce legislation aimed at removing federal funding from local governments and police departments that use the debated flock-safety security cameras.

Flock Safety, an Atlanta-based company, has faced scrutiny for its smart cameras that can identify vehicles by their dents, bumper stickers, and roof racks. The proposed bill, backed by libertarian lawmakers, is focused on reinforcing the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and government surveillance.

“I will soon be introducing legislation that would withhold federal funds from local governments and police departments that deploy flock (and other forms of) cameras to monitor law-abiding citizens,” Massie stated.

Massie is set to retire from Congress after completing his seventh term in January. He also shared a post on X featuring a humorous flag stating “Don’t flock to me.”

Flock Safety has grown to be a primary surveillance tool for police departments nationwide, having installed around 90,000 cameras in over 5,000 agencies since 2018, according to DeFlock, an activist group that monitors the company’s reach and influence.

Garrett Langley, the CEO of Flock Safety, previously labeled DeFlock as a “terrorist organization,” later apologizing for the comment. He maintains that the cameras are crucial for law enforcement, aiding in solving crimes, recovering stolen vehicles, identifying gunshots, tracking fleeing suspects, and issuing Amber Alerts.

However, opponents argue that these cameras represent a troubling form of mass surveillance, akin to “Big Brother,” with billions of tickets processed into shared police databases each month.

Massie’s bill follows the arrest of 18 police officers in Georgia for allegedly misusing Flock Safety camera information, including one supervisor who allegedly tracked his girlfriend using the system.

Additionally, instances of anti-flock activists damaging cameras have increased, with reports of four cameras being taken down in Connecticut recently.

A Flock Safety spokesperson commented that Massie’s proposed legislation could have “significant public safety implications.” The company claims it has supported over a million investigations, played a role in solving 20% of cases in its partner jurisdictions, and helped search for over 10,000 missing persons.

“Rather than banning critical public safety tools, Congress should find ways to establish robust and clear guidelines that ensure accountability, oversight, and responsible use,” the representative added. “We can and should prioritize both privacy and the tools law enforcement requires to maintain community safety.”