Santa Clara County has announced it will discontinue the use of Flock Safety camera technology across several cities within its jurisdiction. The decision marks a significant shift in local law enforcement practices regarding private surveillance networks.
The move comes after recent revelations that the camera network was being accessed by the federal government. This federal usage occurred without the consent or approval of many local cities and counties that had previously participated in the program.
Local authorities are now reassessing their relationship with the private surveillance provider. The county's choice to stop using the cameras reflects growing concerns about data privacy and the scope of federal access to local information.
While the specific cities affected by this decision were not listed in the initial report, the impact is expected to be felt across multiple communities in the region. Officials are likely to review existing contracts and data-sharing agreements in the coming weeks.
The Flock Safety system has been widely adopted by law enforcement agencies across the United States. The technology allows for the collection of vehicle and license plate data, which can be shared with various government entities.