Federal Judge Rules Use of Flock Surveillance Cameras Unconstitutional

A U.S. federal judge has ruled that the use of Flock Safety’s automated license plate reader (ALPR) network by a Tulsa County Deputy Sheriff constituted an unconstitutional warrantless search. Judge Sara E. Hill determined that the officer lacked probable cause when accessing the database to track a driver, describing the system as a tool for "indiscriminate mass surveillance." This ruling marks a significant legal challenge to the widespread use of ALPR technology by law enforcement. While Flock Safety maintains that the decision will likely be overturned based on existing legal precedents regarding license plate data, the ruling has intensified political scrutiny. Following the decision, U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Jeff Merkley introduced the "Ban Flock Act," which seeks to impose strict federal restrictions on the use of such surveillance technology, citing concerns over privacy and the potential for institutional abuse by law enforcement agencies.