Overview
- Flock announced on August 13–14 that it will convert several optional controls into mandatory settings for law enforcement, including a default data retention cut from 30 days to seven days and a new Evidence Mode that preserves records tied to case numbers.
- The company will require every agency to run its Audit Assistance tool that flags abnormal searches and will automatically lock out users who trigger alerts pending an administrator review.
- Officers must now attach a case number to each search with emergency overrides automatically flagged for review, and local agencies can limit what outside jurisdictions may query from their cameras.
- The moves follow audits and reporting that found high false‑alert rates and dozens of alleged officer abuses — including documented cases of officers using plate‑reader searches to stalk partners that have led to firings, charges and internal probes.
- Despite the changes, questions remain: Flock customers can still set longer retention, cameras number roughly 119,000–120,000 across the U.S., investigations and contract pauses continue, and advocates are pressing for statutory rules, warrants and procurement reforms.