More Flock cameras cut down in Houston amid some privacy concerns

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- More license plate-reading Flock cameras have been cut down in Houston. Earlier this week, ABC13 reported on two Flock cameras vandalized near Washington Avenue and Westcott.

Now, two more have been found on the ground near Memorial Park.

The damage comes as questions continue over the growing use of this surveillance technology in public spaces.

Houston Police confirmed an investigation into this.

While the motive is unknown, the technology itself has drawn criticism in the past from people concerned about the data it's collecting.

"What level of frustration have we encountered?" asked Texas Southern University Professor Howard Henderson.

Henderson, the founding director of the Center for Justice Research, said the backlash reflects broader concerns over privacy and who ultimately has access to the information these cameras collect.

"For many in society, they're looking at what the negative unintended consequences may be if this information gets leaked or someone uses it and finds themselves in the wrong hands," Henderson said.

A crowdsourced map from DeFlock showed thousands of Flock cameras across the Greater Houston area.

Because anyone can submit locations, ABC13 cannot independently verify the data shown, but we know that multiple law enforcement agencies use the cameras.

Houston expanded its use of the technology through a multi-million-dollar agreement with Flock in 2022.

In that contract, HPD described the cameras as an investigative tool, writing that "All data from vehicles observed will be provided to HPD for further assessment in detecting vehicles wanted in suspicious or post-event investigations for law enforcement purposes."

Just months ago, Harris County commissioners voted to renew their contract through June 2027, at a cost of just under $869,000.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office previously credited the cameras with helping recover stolen vehicles and locate two kidnapped children.

However, Henderson said there's growing public unease over surveillance technology and artificial intelligence like this.

"Sensitivities are heightened, and people are very concerned about someone watching them and what they're doing with that information," Henderson said.

When people feel they have no voice in those decisions, Henderson said, frustrations surface.

"The community, just simply saying, since you won't listen to me, right? Since you have given me no way to voice my concern, we'll just take it down and tear it up," Henderson said.

Houston Police said whenever a Flock camera is damaged, the department works with the company to determine whether it can be repaired or needs to be replaced.

According to HPD, those costs are covered by the department's budget.

In a statement sent to ABC13, Flock said: "Damaging public safety equipment is illegal and puts the community at risk, which is why we strongly condemn this type of behavior."

As for how often something like this happens, Flock said they see very few reports of vandalism.