On Tuesday, the El Paso City Council will take up two related agenda items that could see the city dismantle all Flock‑provided automated license‑plate reader (ALPR) cameras and related equipment within 60 days. The proposals, introduced by City Representatives Chris Canales and Josh Acevedo, also direct the city manager not to sign, renew, or extend any contract with Flock or similar vendors that supply fixed‑license‑plate‑reading cameras.
Background and prior attempts
Earlier this year, Rep. Canales introduced a motion to let the city’s agreement with Flock lapse and to discontinue the use of networked, AI‑powered ALPRs. That effort was defeated by a 2‑6 vote, leaving the system in place.
Recent developments prompting renewed action
On Sept. 2, Rep. Canales posted on social media that “Flock has time and time again shown itself to be untrustworthy as a company, with its system prone to misuse and abuse.” His comments came shortly after Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered all state agencies to pause funding for Flock cameras. The same day, the El Paso Police Department announced it had stopped using the state‑funded Flock ALPR cameras.
Police perspective
El Paso Police Department Chief Pacillas defended the technology, saying the cameras helped speed investigations and that the department operates them “under strict oversight, limited access and rigorous privacy safeguards.” He emphasized that the equipment is used only for legitimate law‑enforcement purposes.
Public reaction at the council meeting
During the council meeting, members opened the floor for public comment. Several residents voiced safety concerns, arguing that the cameras represent an intrusion on personal privacy and could be misused. Others expressed support for the cameras, citing the department’s claim that they aid in solving crimes.
What the council’s decision could mean
If the agenda items pass, the city will be required to remove all Flock cameras and related hardware within 60 days, and the city manager will be barred from entering into new contracts with Flock or comparable vendors. The removal would align El Paso with Governor Abbott’s statewide pause on funding for the technology.
Company background
Flock is a privately owned company founded in 2017 in Georgia. It markets networked ALPR systems that capture license‑plate data and use AI to process the information for law‑enforcement agencies.
Next steps
The council’s vote is scheduled for the Tuesday meeting. ABC‑7 will provide live updates, and the outcome will determine whether El Paso joins a growing list of Texas municipalities reevaluating the balance between public‑safety tools and individual privacy rights.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
