From Dallas Express · Dallas Express · · 2m
Carrollton renews Flock cameras despite privacy pushback
The city approved a three-year contract for 82 license plate readers after residents raised concerns about surveillance and data sharing.
In brief
The city approved a three-year contract for 82 license plate readers after residents raised concerns about surveillance and data sharing. Carrollton renewed its Flock camera contract while other Texas cities are ending theirs amid growing privacy concerns. Originally reported by Dallas Express.
Carrollton approves camera renewal
The city council voted 6-1 to renew a three-year contract with Flock Safety for 82 automated license plate reader cameras. Richard Fleming cast the only opposing vote.
Council defends crime-fighting tool
Mayor Pro Tem Daisy Palomo said the cameras solve real crimes and help find missing children. Police Chief Roberto Arredondo called it the best tool to reduce crime.
“These cameras solve real crimes and protect real people. When a child is abducted and an Amber Alert goes out, seconds matter, and those cameras are there.”
Fleming questions internal cameras
The lone dissenting council member supports cameras at city entry points but worries about those inside the city. He said the issue is about balancing safety and liberty.
“Tonight's discussion is bigger than just cameras; it's about determining the appropriate balance between public safety and individual liberty.”
Residents demand transparency
Residents spoke for over an hour, raising concerns about privacy, cybersecurity, and data sharing. They said people should be able to travel without creating permanent movement records.
“I don't believe public safety and individual privacy have to be competing interests.”
Public records requests cost thousands
DeFlock Carrollton filed over 50 public records requests since summer. One organizer received invoices totaling $2,000, while another resident was charged more than $32,000.
Police say searches are audited
Officials said they found no misuse of the system. Officers must enter case numbers when searching, and data is automatically deleted after 30 days unless tied to an investigation.
“I'm gonna ensure that there is not misuse. But currently, it's the best tool we have to reduce crime and find our loved ones.”
Contract costs $1.19 million
The three-year agreement consolidates four existing contracts and authorizes up to $398,258 annually. Funding comes from the police department's approved budget.
Abbott orders state funding pause
Governor Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to pause funding for Flock cameras amid concerns over data collection. Carrollton hasn't used state funding since 2024.
Other Texas cities end contracts
Plano, San Marcos, Austin, and Wylie have moved away from Flock agreements. Dallas suspended state-funded cameras but continues using over 300 city-funded ones.
What to remember
Carrollton renewed its Flock camera contract while other Texas cities are ending theirs amid growing privacy concerns.
