Dallas City Council voted on Wednesday to keep the city’s contract with Flock, a license‑plate‑reading camera system, intact. The motion to cancel the $1.5 million program failed, with only three council members supporting the cut.
Vote and council statements
Councilman Adam Bazaldua, a vocal critic of the technology, was the lone dissenting voice among the majority. He warned that the system lacks sufficient oversight, citing the company’s own chief legal officer who admitted that officers tracking ex‑partners is the most common form of abuse of the platform. Bazaldua stressed that his objection is not about hindering the Dallas Police Department (DPD) but about preventing potential misuse.
Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn opposed the resolution, arguing that it resembled a “Defund the Police 2.0” effort. She called the cameras “the most important investigative tool” she has seen and said they are a key component of the city’s violent‑crime plan.
Police perspective
Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux defended the system, noting that the cameras conduct roughly 13,000 searches per week and capture about 2,100 unique license plates. The data is retained for a full calendar year. Comeaux described the cameras as “an extra tool to help us solve everything,” adding that they enable officers to narrow down suspect vehicles in a large city like Dallas.
Broader context
Flock cameras have sparked controversy nationwide, with privacy advocates warning of potential abuse. Recent weeks saw neighboring cities Wylie and Pflugerville end their contracts with the company, and Princeton, New Jersey’s mayor called for a reevaluation of the technology. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also paused state funding for the cameras, prompting Dallas Police to turn off 321 units by September 15.
Even after the pause, the city will still operate 300 Flock cameras. The council’s decision reflects a balance between law‑enforcement needs and community concerns over surveillance.
Original reporting: Dallas – Ft. Worth Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
