Flock, Inc. is a private American technology company that began as a small start‑up in 2017. Today, the company has grown to roughly 1,600 employees and is valued at $8.4 billion. Flock is best known for its automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras — a technology that has sparked nationwide debate over privacy, surveillance, and constitutionality.
Despite public concern, ALPR systems aren’t slowing down. In fact, they’re expanding. Technology like Flock’s has advanced far faster than the courts have been willing — or able — to address. With strong support from law enforcement agencies, cities and local governments continue installing these cameras across their jurisdictions.
And just when it seemed the surveillance couldn’t escalate further, drones entered the chat.
Flock has introduced a drone system designed to integrate directly with its ALPR network. These drones can be remotely dispatched and can read license plates from the sky.
Meet the Flock Alpha Drone
The Flock Alpha is marketed as a “first responder” drone for law enforcement and public safety agencies. According to Flock, the Alpha drone:
Reaches incidents in 86 seconds
Travels up to 60 mph, making it one of the fastest drones available
Can clear emergency calls without dispatching officers in 1 out of 5 incidents
Has an 89% success rate in locating targets
Features 2,000‑foot zoom capabilities
Flock promotes even more features on its website:
https://www.flocksafety.com/products/flock-dfr
The Alpha drone can also be launched remotely as part of “remote operations.” Typically, these operations require FAA approval. However, the FAA has offered little meaningful protection for citizens who don’t want drones flying over their homes or businesses.
If you contact the FAA about a drone overhead, you’ll likely be told to take a picture of it. But how is the average person supposed to photograph a drone hovering 2,000 feet in the air? Neither Apple nor Android is helping you with that one.
How Communities Can Push Back
Surveillance technology may be expanding quickly, but citizens still have ways to make their voices heard.
1. Attend Local Town Hall Meetings
Show up. Speak up. Tell your elected officials how you feel about Flock cameras and drones. Public pressure still matters.
2. Peaceful Public Protest
If you’re bold, take your message directly to the streets. Educate others about Flock and why these cameras concern you.
Take inspiration from Carl Gunn of St. Petersburg, Florida, who protests Flock cameras by holding a tall sign directly in front of them — blocking the camera’s view without touching or damaging the equipment. Others have been arrested for tampering with the cameras, but Gunn’s method is legal, effective, and creative. Way to go, Carl.
3. Write to Your Mayor
While many local officials already support ALPR systems, it never hurts to voice your concerns. Even if the impact is limited, your perspective becomes part of the public record.
Final Thoughts
Flock’s rapid expansion — from ALPR cameras to high‑speed surveillance drones — raises serious questions about privacy, oversight, and the future of public surveillance. As technology races ahead, citizens must stay informed, stay vocal, and stay engaged.