Flock cameras attract critics and vandals. What's going on?

A nationwide network of license plate reader cameras—often referred to as “Flock cameras”—is drawing intense backlash from privacy critics and has even sparked vandalism in multiple states. Supporters say ALPR technology is part of the future of policing, with Flock claiming more than 120,000 cameras across 49 states and access to a searchable database used to locate missing people, recover stolen vehicles, and track suspects. Critics argue it enables mass government surveillance, can target people unfairly, and may involve misuse, mistakes, and safety concerns. Incidents include cameras shot at in Tennessee, hit by a truck in California, struck with a baseball bat in Virginia, cut down in Texas, and painted in New York. The debate continues in city councils, lawsuits, and planned action in late August.