Flock Safety Faces New Questions Over Unauthorized Camera Installations

Flock may have failed to submit applications for permission to use the mysterious cameras for personal or police purposes. According to a 2024 Forbes investigation, the company’s cameras have reportedly been installed without proper authorization for years. The Washington Post also pointed to more recent examples.

Flock Cameras Installed Without Local Approval

Last December, Flock installed two cameras in Cambridge, Massachusetts, without notifying anyone, even though local authorities had banned the technology. Just last month, officials in Millcreek, Utah, were baffled after discovering an unidentified camera on city property that neither the city nor police had requested.

About an hour after the latest batch of defective cameras was reported, authorities in Palm Bay, Florida, shut down the camera system. Officials discovered that Flock had repeatedly installed cameras without requesting final inspections. In that case, city officials ultimately approved the company’s permit.

St. Lucie County Questions Camera Transparency

St. Lucie County Commissioner Clasby told local media that the camera’s “unrecognizability” is a “separate issue” from police abuse and data privacy concerns. Clasby said the lack of visibility is another problem Flock must address.

Flock is already facing backlash, particularly in Florida—the only state that bans cameras on state highways. The company appears eager to contact counties before the 30-day notice period expires.

Flock Says Permit Rules Vary by Jurisdiction

A Flock spokesperson told the Post that the company is already communicating with stakeholders about the unauthorized cameras. The spokesperson appeared to downplay the controversy, saying that permit requirements “vary by jurisdiction and are not required everywhere.”

Ars contacted Gill to confirm that St. Lucie County began discussions with Flock this week. Gill said the company is currently handling numerous requests, including requests to remove cameras across the state.

In Flock’s review of the incident, Gill said county staff are “still evaluating the best way to ensure the cameras are removed by the permittee by the deadline.” Once the deadline passes, staff will work to safely remove the cameras or install coverings so they cannot capture video.