Trump says he likes Flock cameras for law enforcement
Trump voiced personal support for Flock’s license-plate cameras, while privacy concerns drive resistance from lawmakers across parties.
By Theo Nakamura · Staff Writer
· 3 min read
President Donald Trump said he “sort of” likes Flock cameras because of their law-enforcement use, offering his clearest personal view yet on a surveillance system facing resistance across the political spectrum. For people trying to understand the Trump Flock cameras debate, the key point is that his remarks were an endorsement of the technology’s policing role, not an announcement of a new federal policy.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said some people see the cameras as an infringement on privacy. He later added, “I like them.” The Washington Post and KX News, which republished reporting from The Hill, reported the exchange.
What do Flock cameras collect?
Flock Safety’s automated license-plate reader system captures images of vehicles and records details including plate numbers, make, model, color and visible characteristics such as bumper stickers, according to KX News and Decrypt. Automated license-plate readers are cameras that turn those details into searchable records for law-enforcement use.
KX News reported that local jurisdictions can share data with other law-enforcement agencies. Flock’s system also includes video cameras and audio-detection devices, according to the outlet.
Supporters, including police departments cited by Decrypt, say the network can assist with criminal investigations, finding missing people and recovering stolen vehicles. Privacy critics argue that the same system can create a record of where vehicles travel, including for people who are not suspected of wrongdoing.
Why are lawmakers pushing back on Flock cameras?
The dispute has drawn opposition from Republicans, Democrats and grassroots activists, though they have pursued different responses. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, introduced the proposed Flock-Off Act earlier this month. KX News reported that the bill would restrict federal efforts to buy, install, maintain, operate or upgrade automated license-plate-reader and biometric-surveillance cameras for municipalities and local police.
Massie said in a social-media post that taxpayers should not be required to fund a surveillance state, according to KX News. Separately, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that bipartisan legislation was introduced in Pennsylvania last month to protect data collected by the systems and establish safeguards against misuse.
State and local reactions have also varied. The Inquirer reported that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered license-plate readers of any brand removed from state rights-of-way last month. Decrypt reported that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to stop funding Flock cameras in late August, while the Los Angeles Police Department suspended its Flock contract in July over data-sharing and security concerns.
Trump had previously said the administration was considering the advantages and drawbacks of Flock cameras, Decrypt reported. His Sunday comments place him closer to the law-enforcement case for the technology while the broader policy fight remains focused on limits for government funding, data protections and oversight.
This story draws on original reporting from Decrypt.
