Flock License Plate Surveillance Faces Fourth Amendment Lawsuit in Georgia

In August 2026, Flock announced changes intended to address concerns about misuse of its license plate surveillance system. The company plans to modify its software and require “incident codes to be applied to all law enforcement investigations by the end of the year.”

The Coweta County Sheriff’s Office began its own audit of the system that month. According to the complaint, “three employees resigned before the audit was completed.”

“What’s really troubling is when that kind of surveillance becomes available and allows police to conduct Fourth Amendment investigations without any restrictions,” Chris Hall, one of Merkerson’s attorneys, told Ars. “For us, taking a photo of a license plate is not privacy. This focuses on illegal activity, and what we’re arguing is that they’re violating Georgia law and violating the Fourth Amendment because this is a search and surveillance imposed on someone.”

Critics say surveillance guardrails are not enough

Flock has come under increasing scrutiny, with hundreds of law enforcement agencies cracking down on the company in recent days amid a backlash against widespread and unwanted surveillance.

Chairman Brian Hofer of Secure Justice, a California-based organization that scrutinizes Flock and other surveillance technologies, said the organization was not aware of another lawsuit of its kind. He added that what agencies actually do matters more than what they say they do.

“Over the years, many law enforcement officials have told me that ‘culture eats policy for lunch,’” he emailed Ars. “I think this lawsuit, like the Trump administration’s disregard for court orders and the law in general, is another example of why guardrails don’t work. The remedy is to ban the use of this technology, at least until police culture changes for the better.”

Flock disputes the allegations

Flock responded to Ars’ request for comment with a short statement.

“Flock stands behind the integrity of its technology and the critical role it plays in helping law enforcement solve crimes, locate missing persons and keep communities safe,” a spokesperson said. “We disagree with the allegations raised in this lawsuit and intend to vigorously defend our position in court.”

The Coweta County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Ars’ request for comment.