Texas announces ‘pause’ on new Flock camera installations

The Texas Department has stopped issuing permits allowing the installation of Flock cameras and other automatic license plate readers.  It’s the second pause ordered by Gov. Greg Abbott, who ordered a pause on state funds for the cameras earlier this month.

The pause on permits will not impact cameras already installed along state rights-of-way.  It does, however, include agreements that have been approved, but not installed, an agency spokesperson said.

“TxDOT’s role is to review permits to ensure license plate readers are installed correctly and safely along state-owned roadways,” TxDOT spokesperson Adam Hammons said.  “TxDOT does not have access to the data collected from the license plate readers, and those cameras are placed at the request of law enforcement.”

Earlier this month, Abbott ordered state agencies to pause funding for Flock cameras amid a nationwide pushback against the AI-powered surveillance devices.  The governor’s office noted at the time that most of the funding for cameras comes from federal sources.

“What Texans deserve, they deserve clarity about how these cities and counties are using them.  Citizens are concerned about their Fourth Amendment rights.  They have to be protected,” Abbott said.

The pressure is also mounting on local governments, which are increasingly canceling contracts and removing cameras amid backlash from citizens who’re concerned about their privacy.  The cameras are popular with law enforcement, who tout their effectiveness in solving crimes.