1. Arent these cameras just a way for the government to track innocent people everywhere
they go?
Response:
No. Flock cameras do not track people, they capture license plates. The system is not facial
recognition, it does not know who is driving, and it cannot identify passengers. The data is used
for specific criminal investigations, not general surveillance. Without an active law enforcement
case, officers do not pull or review the data.
2. How do we know the cameras wont be abused, like those examples in Kansas and New
Mexico?
Response:
The misuse cases youve heard about involved individuals who violated both the law and their
departments policies. Here in Hutto, access is strictly limited, every search is logged, and
improper use would be grounds for immediate discipline or termination. Just like we hold
officers accountable for misuse of other sensitive systems (like TCIC/NCIC or body-worn
cameras), there are clear checks and audits to prevent abuse. Officers found to misuse the
technology are subject to disciplinary action, up to termination.
3. What happens if the system makes a mistake and misreads a plate?
Response:
Mistakes can happen with any technology, but officers are trained that an alert is just thatan
alert, not proof. Every Flock hit must be confirmed by the officer visually matching the license
plate and vehicle description before any action is taken. A misread plate alone cannot justify a
stop.
4. Isnt this just constant mass surveillance of everyone in the city?
Response:
The system does not create a permanent database of every car and every trip. Data is
automatically deleted after a set retention period (30 days unless part of an active investigation).
Unlike private companies that can hold onto your information indefinitely, our use of the system
is governed by policy, retention limits, and accountability.
5. What about the argument that other cities have canceled its program after poor results?
Response:
Different cities see different results based on how they implement the program. In Hutto, we are
a smaller, fast-growing city with high traffic from surrounding communities. Our system has
already produced successful recoveries of stolen vehicles, wanted persons, and missing persons.
Unlike some cities where millions of plates are scanned daily, our scale and use are tailored to
local needs.
6. Isnt this giving too much power to a private company like Flock Safety?
Response:
Flock provides the technology, but the City of Hutto owns the data. The company cannot sell or
use it for commercial purposes. It is only accessible to trained law enforcement personnel and is
governed by strict contracts and city policy.
7. Why should citizens accept this when private misuse has happened elsewhere?
Response:
Its important to understand that license plate checks already happen outside law enforcement.
Retailers like Lowes and Home Depot use Flock on their property to reduce theft. Towing
companies and repossession services run records through DMV and other systems every day.
What the City of Hutto provides is actually more regulated and more accountable than what
many private businesses already do.
8. Does this system really make us safer?
Response:
Yes. Flock cameras are proven tools in helping police solve crimes faster. They have been used
to recover stolen vehicles, locate missing children, and even identify suspects fleeing from
violent crimes. For example, we had a major incident that happened in Hutto where Flock was a
very critical tool in the investigation which led to arrests. In public safety, even one prevented
tragedy or one recovered child makes the investment worthwhile.
9. Is this technology replacing traditional police work?
Response:
No. The cameras are not a substitute for officers, investigations, or community engagement.
They are simply one more tool like radios, body cameras, or 911 dispatch systems that helps
officers work more effectively. Police work is still done by people, with accountability and
oversight.
10. How can citizens trust that their privacy is protected?
Response:
Trust comes from transparency and oversight. Our policy is public, our use is auditable, and data
is retained only for a short period. If a citizen has a concern, we can show the safeguards in
place. We welcome those conversations because accountability is part of building trust.
