WIRED obtained and analyzed code from Flock Safety's next-generation AI system, revealing capabilities far more expansive than the company's license plate recognition cameras. The technology is already deployed by police departments across the US.
Flock Safety, known for its automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras installed on streets nationwide, has developed advanced AI tools that extend surveillance capabilities significantly beyond vehicle tracking.
WIRED's investigation reconstructed the system from obtained code and confirmed it performs functions including person detection, vehicle classification, and behavioral analysis. The technology identifies not just license plates but specific vehicle makes, models, and colors, along with pedestrian movement patterns.
Some police departments have already begun using the enhanced system, though Flock has not widely publicized these expanded features. The company markets its cameras as public safety tools for identifying stolen vehicles and locating suspects.
The discovery adds to growing concerns about mass surveillance infrastructure. Privacy advocates argue that widespread ALPR networks create permanent records of citizen movements without adequate oversight or consent. Flock's expansion into person detection and behavioral analysis raises additional questions about data retention, accuracy, and potential misuse.
The company has faced previous backlash over its surveillance reach. Civil liberties organizations have documented how police use ALPR data for routine traffic stops and questioned whether the technology amplifies bias in law enforcement.
Flock Safety has not responded to detailed questions about the AI tool's specific capabilities or deployment scope. The company typically positions its technology as voluntary and subject to police department policies.
As AI-powered surveillance becomes increasingly sophisticated, the need for transparency and regulation grows more urgent. The discovery of Flock's expanded capabilities highlights how surveillance tools can evolve beyond their stated purpose with minimal public awareness or democratic deliberation.
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