Houston sees spike in Flock camera vandalism as questions remain about replacement costs

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Police Department said dozens of the city's Flock cameras have been vandalized this year, with more than half of the reported cases occurring in roughly one month.

Public records obtained by ABC13 show that 74 HPD Flock cameras have been vandalized in 2026 as of Aug. 28. That compares with 38 reported cases as of July 28, meaning 36 additional cameras were vandalized in the month between those two dates.

The spike comes as communities across the Houston area continue to debate the use of Flock cameras, which law enforcement agencies say can help locate missing people and identify or track suspects in criminal investigations. Critics have raised privacy and surveillance concerns.

Kora Fortun, with community organizing group Stand Up Houston, said she does not condone vandalism but believes the increase reflects growing frustration with the technology.

"People are fed up that the powers that be aren't responding to their concerns," Fortun said.

Fortun said her group wants cities to reconsider their contracts with Flock.

"Ultimately, we want to see, systemically, is that these Flock contracts are canceled and these cameras are taken down in a systematic manner," she said.

Houston has paid Flock about $4.6 million since 2022, according to city data.

Flock says replacing a damaged camera without a protection plan can cost between $350 and $800, depending on the extent of the damage.

That has raised questions about whether Houston taxpayers could be responsible for replacing vandalized cameras.

ABC13 asked Mayor John Whitmire whether the city has insurance or protection plans covering the cameras.

"Do we have insurance on the Flock cameras?" Whitmire was asked.

When asked whether he was certain, Whitmire said, "I'd be surprised, but you never know."

The city did not immediately provide additional details about what insurance or protection coverage applies to the cameras or who is responsible for replacement costs when they are vandalized.

Meanwhile, several cities around the Houston area have recently taken different approaches to Flock cameras.

Manvel City Council voted unanimously this week to end its Flock contract. Councilman Harry Opliger said he had not seen evidence that the technology was providing a benefit to the city.

"There's nothing that a user can look at and say this tool is working for my city," Opliger said.

The City of Willis also shut off its Flock cameras pending further discussion.

Conroe, however, voted Thursday night to continue funding its use of the technology.

Conroe Police Chief Jon Buckholtz defended the cameras, saying he had not seen evidence of misuse during the seven years they have been used in the city.

"I'm going to tell you, I support the use of these," Buckholtz said. "I've seen no evidence of misuse. They've been around in Conroe for seven years."