Trump backs Flock license plate cameras — but new survey reveals 47% of US public oppose them as 3 police officers are arrested for alleged 'misuse' of the tech

US President Donald Trump voiced his support for Flock's license plate cameras during a conversation aboard Air Force One, stating that he finds them beneficial for law enforcement purposes. However, a new survey conducted by Ipsos for Reuters indicates that the majority of Americans oppose the installation of these devices. The poll, which surveyed 1,167 adults across the US, found that 47% of respondents were against the use of Flock cameras, while 38% supported their use and 16% were unsure.

Democrats, independents, people aged 55 or above, and individuals with no college degree were among those who expressed strong opposition to the cameras. On the other hand, Republicans and those aged 55 or above were found to be in favor of the use of Flock cameras. The controversy surrounding Flock's automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras continues to escalate, with at least three police officers and one fired officer being arrested and investigated for allegedly misusing the technology.

This misuse included repeatedly searching for and tracking individual vehicles that were not involved in any criminal activity. The latest incident involved an officer in Columbus, Ohio, who was fired for searching for a single license plate 272 times without sufficient reason. Following these arrests and firings, the city of Columbus has decided to pause its use of Flock cameras until the mayor can report to the public that the issue is not widespread and that it was caused by a few individuals abusing the technology.