# Flock cameras go up in flames as cops hunt suspected firebugs

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/flock-cameras-go-up-in-flames-as-cops-hunt-suspected-firebugs/
- Published: 2026-07-24T14:48:37+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-24T15:06:35+00:00
- Original publisher: The Register
- Original article: https://www.theregister.com/offbeat/2026/07/24/flock-cameras-go-up-in-flames-as-cops-hunt-suspected-firebugs/5278357
- Topics: Software

## Key points

- Two Flock number-plate cameras were allegedly torched in Georgia.
- The fires follow growing privacy concerns over Flock surveillance.
- US police forces have faced criticism over misuse of camera data.

## Summary

Police in Dougherty County, Georgia, are seeking information after two Flock Safety automatic number-plate recognition cameras were deliberately set on fire. The incidents reflect a wider backlash against Flock’s surveillance network, which has drawn criticism over privacy, data sharing and alleged misuse by law-enforcement officers.

The cameras were located near Radium Springs Road and Williamsburg Drive in Albany, and police reclassified the fires from possible malfunctions to criminal damage after examining the scenes. Flock technology is used by thousands of US agencies, while the Institute for Justice recently identified at least 26 alleged cases of officers abusing number-plate data to stalk partners or romantic interests; the ACLU says fewer than 1% of scanned vehicles are linked to crime. Concerns have also prompted some authorities to end contracts, including the Los Angeles Police Department, which plans to let its agreement expire.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.