Flock Highlighted Police Departments Using Its Tech. Now 4 Face Allegations of Misuse

Four officers and two employees from the Savannah Police Department in Georgia have been placed on administrative leave following an internal investigation that uncovered "potential misuses" of the company's ALPR system. This comes after the Albany Police Department saw five of its officers arrested and charged in connection to alleged misuse of the technology.

The Sandy Springs Police Department was highlighted in a 2020 Flock video touting its effectiveness in combating "porch pirates," but last year, an officer was terminated amid allegations of misuse. Baytown Police Department also featured in Flock's 2025 video, with a police officer resigning amid ongoing investigations into alleged misuse of the system.

While these incidents show that police departments are aware of and taking steps to address ALPR misuse, Flock's promotional materials demonstrate that even departments that were once highlighted as exemplary can engage in such practices. Flock spokesperson Paris Lewbel stated that misuse was identified and addressed, emphasizing that incidents of misuse shouldn't discount the usefulness of Flock's technology to police departments.

He claimed that oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure accountability when improper use is detected.

Flock's videos often feature interviews with department leaders who emphasize the importance of transparency and building community trust. For example, the Albany Police Department's video features interviews with senior crime and intelligence analyst David Sparks and Chief Michael J. Persley, who describe Flock as a crucial tool for fighting property crime and emphasize the importance of open, honest communication.

Despite these assurances, the recent incidents show that misuse of ALPR technology can occur even at departments that have been touted as utilizing Flock's technology responsibly.