From PhillyVoice · · 2m
Hundreds of Flock cameras already watching Philadelphia
Pennsylvania lawmakers want to regulate automated license plate readers, but the surveillance network is already sprawling across the city.
In brief
Pennsylvania lawmakers want to regulate automated license plate readers, but the surveillance network is already sprawling across the city. Between 256 and 656 Flock cameras are already operating in Philadelphia despite growing calls for regulation, making any new laws a challenge to enforce. Originally reported by…
Flock cameras spark regulation push
Pennsylvania lawmakers from both parties are calling for limits on automated license plate readers made by Flock and other companies. The cameras capture and store license plate images in searchable national databases.
How ALPRs actually work
Automated license plate readers use AI to capture vehicle and plate images, then store the data indefinitely. This information can be shared and searched across national databases.
Privacy concerns cross party lines
Both Democrats and Republicans in Pennsylvania support guardrails on the technology. Gov. Josh Shapiro and his challenger Stacy Garrity have both endorsed outright bans.
Trump backs Flock cameras
President Donald Trump supports Flock cameras, creating a split even within Republican circles over whether the surveillance technology should be regulated.
Hundreds already in Philadelphia
Crowd-sourced maps estimate between 256 and 656 Flock cameras are already operating in Philadelphia, mostly on bridges, parking lots, and Temple University's campus. The exact number is hard to pin down.
Police operate their own readers
Philadelphia police don't own Flock cameras but operate 137 other automated license plate readers in fixed locations across the city. Police vehicles also have the technology installed.
Temple and retailers use them too
Temple University added Flock cameras to campus in 2024. Home Depot and Lowe's use the technology in parking lots. The Delaware River Port Authority approved a 10-year contract to monitor bridges.
Documented misuse and abuse
Police officers have conducted unauthorized searches using ALPRs to stalk romantic partners and collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Institute for Justice cataloged 241 misuse incidents nationwide.
Regulation faces uphill battle
Any new laws limiting ALPRs will struggle to control a network already deeply embedded across Pennsylvania. The lack of regulation has allowed cameras to proliferate before lawmakers could act.
The essence
Between 256 and 656 Flock cameras are already operating in Philadelphia despite growing calls for regulation, making any new laws a challenge to enforce.
