Here’s What Lubbock PD Says Flock Cameras Can and Cannot Track

Ah, Flock cameras, one of the few topics, along with data centers, that will always get the room talking, for better or for worse. Well, here I am stirring the pot. Why? Because it's fun, that's why.

So, let's go over some Lubbock Flock camera stats while addressing the most common questions about storing and sharing personal data.

Birds of a Feather...

According to flocksafety.com, Lubbock has a total of 103 cameras that are used in searching for top criminal offenses. These include wanted persons, hit-and-run, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.

Now, Flock does confirm that all information and data are shared with other networks across the state. Essentially, every police department will receive Lubbock's Flock data along with some task forces and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).

Whether folks believe it or not, Flock assures readers that license plates and vehicles are the only things that are detected by cameras. Personal information such as faces, genders, or races are not detected. Flock also says that all data gathered from the cameras in Lubbock are never sold to 3rd parties.

Data use from Flock cameras becomes prohibited when attempting to aid immigration or traffic enforcement, the website claims.

Flocked and Loaded: Myths vs. Reality

Finally, Flock addresses some rumors about cameras that they wish to dispel. For instance, as previously stated, Flock cameras do not use facial recognition technology. In fact, they claim that the cameras lack the ability to even attempt to recognize or track people based on their faces.

Also, all Flock data is kept and controlled within each agency rather than a national database. In our case, Lubbock will control all access to its own data, which is not shared automatically.

A major concern that citizens have is that the Flock camera data will be hacked and used against them. Flock assures everyone that their security infrastructure is top of the line while also utilizing additional precautions to protect your data.

So, however you feel about Flock cameras, hopefully their own words can calm any worries. Or not, it's up to you.