Long Island police departments conducted nearly 3,000 manual searches of the Flock surveillance database in June alone, according to data obtained by a local defense attorney. The extensive use of the controversial AI-powered system, which blankets the region with cameras, has raised privacy concerns.
Nassau County police performed 1,112 searches in the Flock database during June, while the Suffolk County Police Department conducted 1,194 searches. Additionally, the Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney’s office added approximately 500 searches, bringing the total to 2,794 manual queries within that month. These figures represent active searches by officers, not automatic alerts generated by the system.
Richard Hochhauser, a defense attorney based in Hempstead and a former Nassau County prosecutor, shared the audit data. He noted that the phrase 'license plate reader' has become a common element in police reports over the past two years, indicating the growing reliance on such surveillance technologies. Hochhauser expressed concern about the system's expansion and its implications for criminal and DWI defense cases.
Flock Safety's system utilizes smart cameras to capture and store data on passing vehicles, including license plates and distinctive features like dents or bumper stickers. This information is then compiled into a searchable database, allowing law enforcement to track vehicle movements.
On Long Island, over 700 Flock cameras are reportedly installed across more than 100 miles, with thousands more throughout New York City's boroughs. The data collected by Flock is automatically deleted on a 7-day rolling basis by default, but the company states it can be manually saved beyond that period. New York state currently lacks specific laws governing the retention period of this data or who can access it.
Critics have voiced concerns that the technology constitutes an invasion of privacy and is susceptible to misuse. Reports indicate that approximately 60 police officers nationwide have been arrested for misusing Flock data, including a supervisor in Georgia who allegedly used the system to track her boyfriend. Federal lawmakers have introduced legislation to regulate the technology, with proposals ranging from an outright ban by Sen. Bernie Sanders to cutting federal funding for departments employing the cameras, as proposed by Rep. Thomas Massie.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman stated his belief that Flock is a valuable law enforcement tool but emphasized that strict guidelines are in place to protect privacy and prevent abuse. The Suffolk County Police Department, which is reportedly considering the integration of Flock's 'Raven' listening system, did not respond to requests for comment.