From FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth · Carter Freemon · · 1m 20s
Dallas fights to keep Flock cameras running
Dallas police backed off plans to shut down 321 license plate cameras after state funding expired.
In brief
Dallas police backed off plans to shut down 321 license plate cameras after state funding expired. The cameras are still running for now, but Dallas needs new outside money or it may have to give Flock cancellation notice. Originally reported by FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth.
Dallas changes course
Dallas police now say they will not deactivate 321 state-funded Flock cameras, even though the grant money ended on September 15.
Funding is under review
Gov. Greg Abbott paused state agency funding for the cameras on September 1. Dallas says it is looking for new money while the City Attorney's Office reviews the issue.
No cancellation notice yet
Police say their contract requires 10 days' notice before cancellation. That notice has not been sent, so the cameras remain active.
Police defend the tool
Dallas police say license plate readers help investigate homicides, robberies, assaults, business robberies and vehicle cases.
“The proof is in the stats as our primary investigative tool.”
Council already backed Flock
Dallas City Council recently kept a $1.5 million city contract with Flock, preserving 300 city-funded cameras despite privacy objections.
Other cities pull back
Wylie and Hood County moved to end or remove Flock cameras, while Carrollton is set to vote on canceling 82 cameras. Dallas says it may cancel if outside funding fails.
What to remember
The cameras are still running for now, but Dallas needs new outside money or it may have to give Flock cancellation notice.
