In Austin, Governor Greg Abbott issued an order on Aug. 27 that stops state agencies from spending any more money on Flock license‑plate cameras. The directive came amid questions about a $30 million fund that was used to purchase thousands of cameras for law‑enforcement agencies across Texas.
DPS says existing cameras stay online
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed it will not install additional cameras, but it will keep its current fleet of roughly 940 AI‑powered devices operating for “legitimate public‑safety efforts.” The agency did not disclose the exact number of cameras it runs, but a lawmaker’s email shows at least that many were in place as of early September.
Nationwide access and new limits
According to a Texas Tribune analysis of June’s data, the DPS network processed about 615,000 searches, with 48% coming from out‑of‑state agencies—including thousands from Florida and Georgia. Over 3,000 law‑enforcement agencies accessed the system, 396 of them from Texas. Searches covered traffic infractions, auto theft, missing persons, drug offenses, and even immigration‑related warrants.
Until now, any agency that signed a data‑sharing agreement with DPS could query the system. After the Tribune asked why more than 2,800 agencies had accessed the network without such agreements, DPS announced it will restrict future access to agencies that have signed the agreements.
Funding questions remain
Flock camera contracts have been a recurring expense for the state. In early 2025 the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority signed a $15.9 million contract with DPS to fund nearly 1,200 cameras, and an additional $3 million was earmarked to blanket seven toll roads with 583 more devices. With Abbott’s order, DPS has not said how it will sustain the existing network without state dollars.
Local officials react
Governor Abbott told reporters that most of the money for Flock cameras comes from the federal government and is used at the city level, leaving local officials to decide whether to keep or remove the devices. Some Texas cities have already begun unplugging cameras purchased with state funds.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rep. Gina Hinojosa (Austin) criticized the program as “warrantless surveillance” and urged a full ban, though she acknowledged the technology could aid border security if used appropriately.
What this means for Texans
While the state will pause new installations, the existing network continues to scan vehicles on highways and state‑controlled streets, providing law‑enforcement agencies with a powerful investigative tool. The new access restrictions aim to ensure that only agencies with formal agreements can query the system, addressing concerns about privacy and oversight while preserving a resource that many officials argue supports public safety and border protection.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
