Cops Are Asking Axon to Make Their Cameras Look Different From Flock So People Don't Destroy Them
“Is there any talk to redesign the Outpost to not look exactly like the Flock camera — I think it will help agencies with the optics while we batten down the hatches,” one apparent cop asked during a now deleted Axon webinar.
Law enforcement agencies are requesting Axon to alter the appearance of its automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) to differentiate them from Flock cameras, according to remarks made by Axon's CEO in a deleted webinar. This request stems from the increasing vandalism of Flock cameras, which has led to backlash against the technology.
In the webinar titled "From backlash to trust," Axon's CEO, Rick Smith, mentioned that customers had expressed a desire for a camera redesign to address the optics issue while reinforcing the security measures against vandalism. Additionally, Smith suggested that Axon could develop a more conspicuous ALPR camera by placing signs and providing information about the city's ALPR policies.
The Flock cameras, which are connected to a national network, allow law enforcement officers in one jurisdiction to search cameras in other jurisdictions, which has contributed to the decision of some cities to switch from Flock to Axon cameras. Examples of Flock camera vandalism include tearing them down, backing trucks into them, and spray painting over their lenses. These acts of vandalism have resulted in arrests and charges against several individuals.
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