A recent analysis reveals that Texas is home to over 13,500 automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, with significant concentrations in its most populated counties. This comes as Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a halt to state funding for Flock cameras, driven by privacy concerns and potential misuse of the technology by law enforcement.
According to the Texas Tribune, Abbott's directive follows an investigation indicating that a state agency allocated at least $30 million in grants to local police departments to expand the Flock surveillance network over the past three years. Abbott's spokesperson confirmed that state agencies are now prohibited from funding Flock cameras, with most financial support shifting to federal sources.
Harris County leads the state with 3,546 cameras, while Dallas County has 1,334 and Tarrant County has 949. Other counties with high numbers include Collin, Fort Bend, Denton, Bexar, Travis, Montgomery, and Williamson.
In a recent interview, Abbott highlighted a statewide initiative to reduce Flock camera usage, citing a case of a Lufkin police officer charged with misusing the system. He emphasized the importance of transparency regarding Flock cameras and the protection of citizens' privacy rights. Further details on the implications of this funding halt and the future of these cameras remain unclear.
Dallas is about 33 miles southwest of Princeton.
