South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson sent a letter to Flock Safety on Monday, inquiring about the “broader network” of data collected by the company’s automatic license plate readers, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in the controversial cameras.
Wilson, who is also running for governor in the Palmetto State, said that while he supports law enforcement having access to tools that improve policing, residents reserve the right to know “how their data is being used.”
Wilson gave Flock 30 days to respond to questions about whether or not Flock uses AI to identify vehicles or people, what data restrictions are in place, if there are mandatory data retention policies in place, and if Flock facilitates data sharing across customers to a “broader network” and who has access to that network.
Flock’s ALPRs operate using AI, as the technology assists in cataloging license plate numbers, vehicle make and model, and other identifying features. Additionally, Flock recently changed its retention schedule to seven days for new customers, but existing customers can retain vehicle data for up to 30 days. The company has maintained that contracted agencies own the data collected and customers can choose whether or not they share data with other agencies, including the federal government.
“As Attorney General, I have no higher priority than keeping the people of South Carolina safe, and I support law enforcement efforts to use the latest tools available to them in their crime fighting efforts,” Wilson, a Republican, said in the letter. “But even the best tools have potential for misuse. And given Flock’s broad reach, covering more than 120,000 cameras across 49 states, the stakes are particularly high.”
Wilson’s concerns about possible misuse come as reports emerge nationwide of law enforcement officers using Flock’s sprawling network to stalk former partners. South Carolina has seen its own instances of police misusing Flock’s ALPRs.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating several instances of Upstate police misusing Flock cameras. In Greer, two police officers were terminated over allegations of inappropriately using Flock data, and in Greenville County, a sheriff’s deputy and communications supervisor were terminated for the same reasons, according to Fox Carolina.
The outlet additionally reported that South Carolina has no laws regulating how long data collected by Flock cameras and similar ALPRs can be retained, requiring a warrant, or penalties for police misuse.
“I will always support giving law enforcement the tools they need to catch criminals,” Wilson said. “But protecting public safety cannot come at the expense of the privacy and constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.”
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In Ohio, Attorney General Andy Wilson, a Republican, issued a statement urging state lawmakers to take up legislation criminalizing the misuse of Flock cameras. Like Alan Wilson, Andy Wilson said he recognizes the crime-solving benefits of Flock cameras, but acknowledges their potential for misuse.
“Ohio can – and should – leverage technology that assists law enforcement,” Andy Wilson said. “We must do so carefully. And misuse must not be tolerated.”
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, a Republican, has also pushed for safeguards to prevent police from abusing the technology.