Flock Safety: Difference between revisions

Each subscription includes comprehensive services such as maintenance, software updates, data hosting, customer support, and unlimited user access.<ref name="Sacra" />  Flock's AI-enabled cameras capture detailed vehicle “fingerprints”—including make, model, color, and other distinguishing characteristics—in addition to license plates, with footage retained for 30 days before deletion.<ref>{{cite web |title=AI Startup Flock Thinks It Can Eliminate All Crime In America |last=Brewster |first=Thomas |date=2025-09-03 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2025/09/03/ai-startup-flock-thinks-it-can-eliminate-all-crime-in-america/ |website=Forbes |accessdate=2025-10-30}}</ref>  The company’s network benefits from strong network effects: as more cameras are deployed across jurisdictions, participating agencies gain access to a broader shared data pool. Flock initially focused on homeowners associations—which still account for roughly 40% of its business—before expanding rapidly into law enforcement and enterprise sectors, illustrating a “land-and-expand” growth strategy.<ref name="Sacra" />

In September 2025, Columbine Valley Police Sgt. Jamie Milliman wrongfully accused Denver resident Chrisanna Elser of package theft, relying exclusively on Flock Safety license plate reader data that placed her vehicle in Bow Mar during the theft.<ref name=":5">{{cite web | title=Police used Flock cameras to accuse a Denver woman of package theft. She had her own evidence | website=Denverite | date=2025-10-28 | url=https://denverite.com/2025/10/27/bow-mar-flock-cameras-accusation/ | accessdate=2025-10-30}}</ref> The officer asserted "zero doubt" about her guilt, telling her verbatim, "It is locked in. There is zero doubt. I wouldn't have come here unless I was 100% sure," and bragged about the extensive surveillance network, stating "you can't get a breath of fresh air, in or out of that place, without us knowing."<ref>{{cite web | title=After police used Flock cameras to accuse a Denver woman of theft, she had to prove her own innocence | website=The Colorado Sun | date=2025-10-28 | url=https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/28/flock-camera-police-colorado-columbine-valley/ | accessdate=2025-10-30}}</ref> When Elser denied the accusation, Milliman refused to show her the supposed evidence, stating "You have not been honest with me, so I'm not going to extend you any courtesy of showing you a video when I don't need to."<ref>{{cite web | title=Police use Flock cameras to wrongfully accuse Denver woman of theft | website=KDVR | date=2025-10-28 | url=https://kdvr.com/news/local/police-use-flock-cameras-to-wrongfully-accuse-denver-woman-of-theft/ | accessdate=2025-10-30}}</ref> Elser was forced to compile extensive exculpatory evidence including dashcam footage, Google Timeline data, witness statements, and surveillance images from her tailor, ultimately submitting a 7-page affidavit and voluminous Google Drive folder to prove her innocence.<ref name=":5" /> The summons was only voided after Police Chief Bret Cottrell reviewed her evidence, writing "After reviewing the evidence you have provided (nicely done btw), we have voided the summons that was issued," though no apology or explanation was provided by the department.<ref>{{cite web | title=After police used Flock cameras to accuse a Denver woman of theft, she had to prove her own innocence | website=The Colorado Sun | date=2025-10-28 | url=https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/28/flock-camera-police-colorado-columbine-valley/ | accessdate=2025-10-30}}</ref> This incident raises serious concerns about Flock's role in creating a surveillance state where citizens are presumed guilty until proving their innocence.