After voting last month to remove the city’s Flock Safety cameras within 60 days, El Paso City Council members have now approved a resolution creating additional restrictions on any future use of the technology.
The Tuesday decision follows concerns regarding privacy and how information gathered by the technology is used.
Powered by AI, Flock cameras capture details such as the make and model of a passing vehicle. They will also capture any unique or identifying features.
Police departments are able to access data from Flock without a warrant, which has raised concerns among citizens about potential Fourth Amendment violations.
According to the meeting’s agenda, council members unanimously approved a motion that halts the city manager from “entering into, executing, renewing, or extending any contract, agreement, or other arrangement” with Flock Safety and any other automated license plate reader company.
Local news outlet KFox14 reported that the motion does not apply to “handheld or vehicle-mounted readers, or systems used for parking, access control or toll collection.”
Councilmember Chris Canales told the network that the city council would have to grant approval for any future return of the technology.
Tuesday’s resolution follows a September decision by the city council, which required that all Flock cameras on city property or in city control be removed within 60 days. If full removal is not possible within the allotted period, the cameras are to be covered up to “fully restrict their use.”
On September 30, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office announced that the department would no longer utilize the technology.
In a public statement, County Sheriff Joseph Roybal said, “We have the tools, training, and experience to locate and apprehend criminals without relying on Flock cameras.”
“Our commitment to public safety remains stronger than ever,” added Roybal.
Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Department of Transportation last month to suspend issuing permits for both Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers on state roads.
Comptroller Don Huffines announced this week a ban on using grant funds administered by his office to purchase or contract for Flock cameras, automated license plate readers, and other covered vehicle-identification systems.
State lawmakers are expected to address the use of automated license plate readers during the next legislative session, which begins January 12.
