ABC13 discovers more Flock cameras cut down across Houston day after residents express concerns

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- ABC13 has found more Flock cameras destroyed in Houston as some residents continue to push back against the system.

ORIGINAL REPORT: Houston Flock cameras vandalized, cut down and spray-painted near Washington Avenue, police say

Harris County residents pleaded with county commissioners Thursday to do away with the county's Flock camera contract.

"Please do not renew the Flock contract; protect us, not surveillance," one public commenter said.

ABC13 found at least half a dozen Flock cameras cut down across the city this week.

SEE ALSO: More Flock cameras cut down in Houston amid some privacy concerns

"Safety is streetlights that work, safety is water that drains, safety is officers who know our names," another resident said at commissioner court.

Thursday, county commissioners voted unanimously to amend their contract with Flock, not to restrict Flock but to ensure the device is available for use countywide.

The cameras collect information and can be accessed by agencies, like law enforcement. It's this kind of access that some residents said makes them uncomfortable with the system.

According to Flock's website, their product is different from traditional security cameras. While security cameras capture an area, Flock says its system uses machine learning to capture clear photos of license plates and store them with a physical description of the car.

Experts told ABC13 that public distaste for the cameras is growing nationwide, along with concerns for mass surveillance, privacy, and data sharing.

Flock states on its website that it does not sell data to third parties and that all searches are recorded.

Houston police said they are investigating who has been destroying Flock cameras, but no arrests have been made.

RELATED: Residents ask Harris County commissioners to cancel Flock contract over surveillance concerns