Flock Safety Cameras Removed for Lacking Permits Despite Police Embrace
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Flock Safety installed hundreds of license plate reading surveillance cameras without proper permits, violating state laws in multiple locations. Officials ordered removals.
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The $4 billion startup aimed to "reduce crime" quickly, but did not always get transportation department approvals required for safety and utilities.
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Flock cameras scanned over 27 million license plates in one California county in a single month, concerning privacy advocates.
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Police departments embraced Flock's cheaper cameras, helping revenue spike 2,660%, but Flock frustrated officials by submitting flawed permit applications.
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Flock had to audit over 800 Florida cameras and fire its permitting director, but continues expanding by partnering with transportation departments it previously angered.