The department said in a social media post on Sept. 1 that it received a notice that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a directive ending funding for Flock camera use.
Flock cameras are artificial intelligence-driven, automated license plate reader systems that capture vehicle details and license plates, with more than 120,000 cameras found throughout the United States. They have drawn online controversy over concerns regarding data privacy, surveillance overreach, and their potential misuse.
“These cameras remain an important investigative tool and are used daily by detectives and officers to develop leads, identify vehicles associated with criminal activity, and assist in solving crimes,” the Dallas Police Department said on X.
It added that it will “continue evaluating available resources and technology to ensure … officers and detectives have effective tools to support investigations and enhance public safety.”
Dallas Police officials said that 321 Flock cameras supported by grant funding will no longer be eligible, meaning that they will be canceled, effective Sept. 15. After the move, the department “will continue to have more than 300 Flock cameras operating throughout Dallas,” according to its X post.
Last week, Abbott’s office ordered all state agencies to pause funding to Flock camera systems, his spokesperson confirmed to the Texas Tribune.
“To the extent that cities get any funding for those cameras, most of it comes from the federal government. To the extent any funding comes from Texas agencies, those agencies are clarifying that those funds cannot be used for Flock cameras,” Abbott spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris told the outlet.
Aside from Texas, Florida said on Aug. 31 that it would use Flock cameras to monitor state highways. Meanwhile, two Arizona cities, Tempe and Cave Creek, said days before that they were canceling their Flock contracts.
Will Watts, chief operating officer of the Florida Department of Transportation, sent a memo on Aug. 31 stating that the state agency would revoke approvals for license plate readers, including Flock cameras.