Sen. Hawley Launches Investigation into Flock Safety's Surveillance Network, Seeks Data Access Records

WASHINGTON — Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) is pressing Flock Safety for detailed information about its national surveillance network, which consists of thousands of automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras installed in neighborhoods, parking lots, and along roadways. The investigation, announced Wednesday by the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, marks a rare bipartisan flashpoint over mass surveillance technology used by law enforcement.

Flock Safety markets its ALPR cameras as a crime-fighting tool, allowing police to search for vehicles associated with suspects, stolen cars, or Amber Alerts. The company claims its cameras have helped solve tens of thousands of crimes and that data is retained for only 30 days. However, critics argue the network quietly creates a permanent record of every vehicle's movements, and that Flock shares access with thousands of law enforcement agencies, potentially including out-of-jurisdiction queries that could be used to track individuals without a warrant.

Hawley's letter requests a full list of all entities—police departments, private security firms, homeowners associations, or others—that have been granted access to the Flock database, as well as the specific terms of that access. He also asks how Flock ensures data is not used for unauthorized surveillance, such as tracking lawful political protests, personal relationships, or abortion clinic visitors. The investigation follows mounting privacy concerns from civil liberties groups and some lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

Flock Safety has not yet responded publicly to the inquiry. The company previously stated it complies with applicable laws and that its systems are designed to assist public safety without enabling general dragnet surveillance. However, questions have been raised about the potential for mission creep, as Flock has expanded from small-town police contracts to large city deployments and even partnerships with private businesses.

Hawley's move highlights a growing tension between public safety benefits and privacy rights in an era of ubiquitous surveillance. The outcome of the investigation could influence future regulation of ALPR technology at the federal level.

Why This Matters

The investigation could set precedent for federal oversight of license plate surveillance technology, affecting millions of Americans whose movements are recorded daily.
Flock cameras are used by over 4,000 law enforcement agencies; the probe may reveal previously undisclosed data sharing practices.
Hawley's inquiry signals potential bipartisan momentum for privacy legislation, as similar concerns have been raised by Democrats like Sen. Ron Wyden.

Background

Flock Safety was founded in 2017 and has rapidly become the dominant provider of ALPR cameras in the United States, with installations across all 50 states. The cameras capture not only license plates but also vehicle characteristics (make, color, roof racks, etc.) and, on newer models, images of drivers and passengers. Data is stored in the cloud and accessible via a search portal.

Criticism has intensified after reports that police departments have queried Flock data for reasons unrelated to serious crime, such as tracking vehicles belonging to journalists or protesters. In 2023, a joint investigation by the Brennan Center and other groups found that Flock users often lacked clear written policies restricting use. The technology has also been used by private condominium associations and retail chains, raising questions about warrantless surveillance.

Senator Hawley has been a vocal critic of big tech and surveillance capitalism. His subcommittee has jurisdiction over federal criminal law and privacy issues, giving his investigation subpoena power if Flock does not cooperate voluntarily.

Key Perspectives

Sen. Josh Hawley (investigator): The senator argues that Flock's network may constitute a mass surveillance system that erodes Fourth Amendment protections. He wants transparency on data access and insists that Americans should not be tracked without probable cause.

Flock Safety (company under scrutiny): Flock maintains that its technology is strictly regulated by its own policies and by state laws, and that it empowers law enforcement to solve violent crimes more efficiently. The company emphasizes that data retention is limited and that access is audited.

Civil liberties advocates (e.g., ACLU, EFF): They argue that ALPR networks create a de facto national tracking database, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities and chilling lawful assembly. They support strong restrictions or warrants for any queries.

Law enforcement supporters (e.g., police chiefs, Fraternal Order of Police): They contend that ALPR is a vital investigative tool that saves lives, and that proper oversight exists locally. They worry that federal investigations could hinder timely crime-solving.

What to Watch

Whether Flock Safety voluntarily provides the requested documents or forces Hawley to issue a subpoena.
The release of the company's list of access holders, which could reveal surprising partners (e.g., ICE, private investigators).
Introduction of any federal ALPR regulation bill, possibly co-sponsored by Hawley and a Democrat.

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