The Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) has 44 cameras "integrated" with the Flock Safety system, with 21 of those having an automated license plate reader (ALPR) system. A recent rise in pushback against Flock systems has caused the FSPD to reconsider its plan to buy more ALPR cameras.
Concerns about cameras and software sold by Flock Safety, founded in 2017, began to emerge in 2020 when more law enforcement agencies around the country began to use their cameras and store and share personal and public data the cameras provided. In recent years, concerns have ballooned around mass surveillance, warrantless searches, unauthorized or unknown data sharing, and agency or officer misuse.
Several cities in Arkansas, including Centerton, Farmington, Greers Ferry, Mayflower, and Pea Ridge, have ended their contracts with Flock Safety, according to recent reporting from the Arkansas Advocate. The reporting also suggests that Arkansas legislators may consider regulations around such systems in the 2027 legislative session.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has become a nationwide leader in an effort to reject what it calls "creepy cameras."
"Automatic license plate reader (ALPR)...
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