From Houstonchronicle · · 1m 30s
Harris County Staff Search Flock Cameras 13 Times in 2025
Harris County staff searched Flock cameras 13 times in 2025, raising privacy concerns as officials prepare to address misuse.
In brief
Harris County staff searched Flock cameras 13 times in 2025, raising privacy concerns as officials prepare to address misuse. Harris County staff searched Flock cameras 13 times in 2025 for vehicle thefts, prompting privacy reviews. Originally reported by Houstonchronicle.
Flock Camera Searches in 2025
Harris County civilian staff searched Flock Safety’s camera network more than a dozen times in 2025.
County Commissioner's Office Involvement
Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey’s staff conducted 19 searches between August and September 2025.
Searches for Vehicle Theft
A Precinct 3 employee used Flock to search for a vehicle stolen from a coworker’s family member.
Privacy Concerns Raised
Experts warn that easy access to Flock could enable stalking and other privacy violations.
Discipline for Misuse
Pasadena police officer resigned after allegedly using Flock to stalk a female colleague.
County Report Preparation
County Judge Lina Hidalgo requested a report on Flock use by county departments.
Precinct 2 Searches
A Precinct 2 staff member searched 61 Flock cameras this year for illegal dumping.
Precinct 4 Camera Removal
Commissioner Lesley Briones decommissioned her precinct’s 61 Flock cameras last week.
Flock Access Changes
Flock updated access procedures to require law enforcement agencies to conduct searches directly.
Privacy Advocacy Concerns
An Electronic Frontier Foundation attorney warned of stalking risks with Flock’s easy access.
Next Steps for Privacy
County officials plan to restrict Flock access to law enforcement and audit searches.
The big picture
Harris County staff searched Flock cameras 13 times in 2025 for vehicle thefts, prompting privacy reviews.
