Survey Finds More Americans Oppose Police License Plate Cameras Than Support Them

Public support for police license plate surveillance cameras appears to be declining, with a new survey finding that more Americans oppose the technology than support its use in their communities.

A YouGov survey of 20,000 U.S. adults shared with The Washington Post found that 46% of respondents opposed surveillance cameras operated by companies such as Flock, while 38% supported them.

The results mark a shift from the previous year, when survey respondents were more likely to support the use of these systems. The change comes as concerns grow over how automated license plate readers collect and store vehicle location data.

Flock is one of the most visible companies in the space, operating more than 120,000 license plate readers across the United States. The cameras can capture vehicle information and help law enforcement track movements connected to investigations.

The company has faced criticism following reports of police misuse of surveillance tools. Some communities have rejected Flock systems or ended contracts amid concerns about privacy, government oversight, and potential misuse of collected data.

The survey also found that more respondents said the cameras would not make them feel safer, raising questions about whether the technology is delivering the public safety benefits supporters claim.

Flock has argued that its technology has broad public support while acknowledging that approval depends on safeguards and responsible use. The company has introduced additional protections, but critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union, argue that the measures do not adequately address civil liberties concerns.

The debate has intensified as Flock faces increased scrutiny, including calls from company CEO Garrett Langley for a balance between privacy protections and law enforcement needs following incidents of vandalism targeting cameras.