DPS says it is investigating Flock Safety camera company over claims of operating without license

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Texas Department of Public Safety is now investigating a company that has put up cameras all around Houston.

It's a story first reported by our partners at the Houston Chronicle.

On Thursday, DPS confirmed the investigation into Flock Safety, citing questions about the controversial license plate reader company's private security license.

Back in October, the Houston Police Department said two women were killed on Cullen Boulevard by a hit-and-run driver.

The driver was arrested, Flock Safety said, thanks to its cameras.

Also in October, Missouri City police said a man was robbed and killed in a Walmart parking lot on Highway 6.

Four young suspects were arrested, Flock Safety said, also thanks to its cameras.

Flock Safety reported that more than 550 law enforcement agencies across the state use its technology, which captures license plates and key details like the make, model, and color of vehicles. That number is nearly one-fourth of all law enforcement agencies in Texas.

According to Flock Safety, the city of Houston has used its cameras since 2021.

In 2024, the Houston Police Department reported the city had access to around 3,500 of the cameras.

The company has been controversial, with people concerned about surveillance, but DPS is now investigating a different issue.

DPS officials said it suspended Flock Safety's private security license in August for failing to maintain proof of liability insurance.

Just two weeks ago, DPS issued the company a new license, and we confirmed Flock Safety is listed in the department's database as having an active license.

Flock Safety's spokesperson said this was all an "administrative error that was fixed."

But, still, the DPS investigation continues.

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