At the January 7, 2025, Sealy City Council meeting, agenda item five revisited a resolution first discussed on December 17, 2024 (Video starts at the 1:10:23 mark.), regarding the installation of Flock cameras in Sealy. ย  The proposed cameras, set to cost $69,100, would be funded by the Sealy Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Initially, it was thought the cameras could track traffic for economic development purposes, such as counting cars attending events, but this not a sanctioned use for the cameras. Despite this, the EDC remains committed to funding the purchase.

Due to amendments and changes made to the original resolution, legal counsel advised that the January 7 meeting should serve as the first of two required readings, rather than the second. Bill Atkinson, representing the Sealy EDC, presented updates and addressed discrepancies in the estimated costs of the program over a three-year period. The council also discussed the potential of applying for grants to help offset expenses. Video starts at 15:56.

For those unfamiliar with Flock cameras, they are specialized license plate recognition (LPR) systems designed to capture detailed images of vehicles and license plates in real-time. These cameras focus on vehicle identification, recording license plates, make, model, color, and distinguishing features such as bumper stickers or visible damage. They are primarily used by law enforcement agencies for crime prevention and investigation.

How Flock Cameras Work

Flock cameras operate through a streamlined, four-step process:

  1. Image Capture: Cameras automatically capture high-resolution images of vehicles passing through their field of view.
  2. Data Analysis: Artificial intelligence (AI) processes the images, identifying vehicle details and extracting license plate information.
  3. Data Storage: Information is securely stored in the cloud for a limited period, typically 30 days, before being automatically deleted unless flagged for investigation.
  4. Database Integration: The system connects with law enforcement databases, such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), to cross-check license plates against lists of stolen vehicles or those associated with criminal activity.

How Flock Cameras Help Law Enforcement

Flock cameras provide multiple benefits to law enforcement agencies, including:

  • Crime Prevention: Deterring criminal activity through their visible presence.
  • Real-Time Alerts: Notifying law enforcement immediately when a flagged vehicle is detected.
  • Efficient Investigations: Assisting in recovering stolen vehicles, solving violent crimes, and locating suspects through reliable leads.
  • Evidence Collection: Providing images and data that can serve as concrete evidence in court cases.

Benefits for the Community

Flock cameras also bring advantages to neighborhoods and businesses:

  • Enhanced Safety: Contributing to reduced crime rates by increasing the chances of apprehending offenders.
  • Faster Emergency Response: Helping law enforcement quickly locate vehicles during urgent situations, such as Amber Alerts.
  • Community Confidence: Providing peace of mind to residents and business owners.
  • Virtual Neighborhood Watch: Allowing communities to monitor entrances and exits digitally.
  • Transparency: Ensuring responsible use through privacy features like limited data retention and user-access controls.

Addressing Concerns

The implementation of Flock cameras has raised some concerns, such as:

  • Privacy: Ensuring that the system avoids unnecessary surveillance or data misuse.
  • Bias: Preventing discriminatory use or over-policing.
  • Data Security: Protecting stored information from cyber threats or unauthorized access.

To address these issues, Flock Safety enforces strict privacy protocols, limits access to data, and ensures compliance with surveillance and data use laws. These measures aim to strike a balance between public safety and individual privacy, fostering trust within the community as these systems are implemented.