Watch an Unconstitutional Flock Search

Body camera footage obtained by 404 Media reveals the first Flock camera search invalidated by a federal judge, shedding light on how the system has transformed routine traffic stops into intrusive interrogations for drivers. In a recent case, a federal judge deemed the use of license plate reader systems in the arrest of Melissa Kyle to be an "unconstitutional warrantless search," "indiscriminate mass surveillance," and a violation of her Fourth Amendment rights.

The judge ruled that, despite Kyle carrying over 91 pounds of meth in her vehicle, there was no valid reason for the police to search Flock for her license plate or suspect her travel was suspicious. Consequently, all evidence from Flock and the car's search must be dismissed.

The body camera footage, along with in-vehicle recordings and data from Flock and Motorola ALPR systems, obtained by 404 Media, illustrates how license plate reader systems are being misused to fabricate probable cause for pulling over individuals based on suspicious driving patterns. The footage, from Tulsa County deputy sheriff Freddie Alaniz's body camera, shows him frantically searching Flock while driving at 60 miles per hour and interrogating Kyle about her travel history.

Alaniz had flagged Kyle's California license plates as a reason to pull her over, claiming it was odd for her to be returning from California after a short trip. He asked her to step out of the vehicle and retrieve her rental information, only to proceed with a thorough interrogation of her travel history, which revealed 79 Flock hits and roughly 50 Motorola ALPR hits in the preceding 30 days.

During the interrogation, Alaniz questioned Kyle about her whereabouts and lodgings, comparing her travel route to the ALPR records. He suggested that her brief trips to California and subsequent returns indicated potential drug trafficking. When Kyle denied having any, Alaniz claimed she was "making stuff up" and accused her of lying about her travel details.

He ultimately called for backup, claiming he had "probable cause" to search her vehicle, leading to the discovery of 91 pounds of meth. However, Judge Sara Hill ruled that the seizure was unconstitutional, and all evidence—including the travel history and items found during the search—must be disregarded.