When I first learned about Flock cameras — those license p...

When I first learned about Flock cameras — those license plate reader systems popping up in our communities (at least 34 here) and the across the country — I was genuinely excited about their potential to help fight crime. In theory, they could make a real difference: recovering stolen vehicles, identifying suspects who flee police (especially here in Sioux City where pursuits are rare), or even helping businesses know when a known thief is back on their property. To be completely transparent, I still think these systems can play an important role in law enforcement. But lately, the negatives are starting to outweigh the positives. Unlike many critics, my main concern isn’t about the cameras simply existing — it’s about how they’re used. The potential for abuse is huge. What stops someone with access from tracking an ex, a cheating partner, or anyone they have a personal vendetta against? Combine that with the reality of warrantless searches and you’ve got a serious civil liberties issue. We like to say, “If you’re not doing anything wrong, you have nothing to worry about.” But that’s just not true here. Flock cameras don't capture speeders or red-light runners — they log everything. Your license plate, vehicle make, model, color, and even details like bumper stickers or roof racks. The system tracks your movements everywhere it’s installed, creating a searchable database of your comings and goings. Flock’s technology can even cross-reference vehicles across jurisdictions, flag “hot list” matches instantly, and integrate directly with police databases. It’s powerful — maybe too powerful — especially without strong oversight and accountability. Tools that can help solve crimes shouldn’t quietly turn into tools that can monitor everyone. Here is a video with more info https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_a14lplBg2Y