Flock Safety to Cut 18% of Staff as Surveillance Backlash Grows

Flock Safety is reducing its workforce by approximately 18%, affecting around 270 employees, as opposition to its surveillance cameras intensifies across the United States. The company faces growing criticism over privacy violations, police misuse and the security of its automated license plate recognition technology.

According to Reuters, employees are expected to leave by the end of October as part of a voluntary separation program. The reductions affect a company that employs roughly 1,500 people and operates one of the country’s largest private surveillance camera networks.

WIRED reported in September that Flock had offered employees voluntary buyouts as it sought to reduce staffing and avoid compulsory layoffs. The program came amid declining municipal contracts and growing public opposition to its technology.

Flock spokesperson Paris Lewbel said the company offered employees a voluntary separation package to prepare for its next growth phase. She emphasised that the departures were voluntary, not mandatory layoffs, and described the program as part of building a sustainable business.

Privacy Concerns and Police Misuse Put Flock Under Pressure

Flock operates more than 100,000 automated license plate recognition cameras across the United States. The devices record passing vehicles and let authorised users search collected location data, raising concerns about surveillance without individual consent or warrants.

Investigations have documented repeated misuse of the technology by law enforcement personnel. 404 Media reported cases involving officers accused of using Flock’s system to track individuals for personal reasons. At the same time, a USA Today investigation detailed additional incidents that led to arrests, firings, and disciplinary action.

The company has also faced questions about cybersecurity and accuracy. Security researchers have found exposed camera systems, and incorrect license plate matches have led to improper police encounters. In one documented case, The Drive reported that a journalist was mistakenly tracked after a vehicle’s plates were linked to a stolen-car alert.

Public opposition has prompted several communities to remove cameras or reconsider contracts. The Los Angeles Police Department also allowed its Flock agreement to expire, citing privacy and civil liberties concerns.

Although Flock maintains that its technology helps law enforcement investigate crimes, the company faces continued scrutiny over how it collects, accesses, and shares surveillance data. Its workforce reduction comes as those concerns increasingly affect relationships with local governments and police departments.