Lago Vista City Council members voted unanimously to remove all Flock automatic license plate readers.
Flock ALPRs use AI-driven technology to log vehicles’ license plate numbers and other identifying information such as make, model, color, cosmetic damage, and modifications.
The technology has been hotly contested across the country, with some citizens calling for guardrails on the technology while others have vandalized the units, triggering criminal investigations.
Citizens packed Lago Vista’s City Hall on Thursday to voice their concerns regarding Flock ALPRs in their community.
“It’s very, very alarming and concerning to be thinking, ‘I’m just going about my normal chores, my normal Sunday or Monday routine,’ but those license plate readers might be picking up what doctor’s office you go to, who your romantic partner is if there’s a camera by a restaurant and you’re going on a date, what church you decide to go to,” said Travis Fife, an attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project. “It creates this constellation of a really intimate picture of all of our lives sitting here as we move throughout our day, throughout the city.”
Lago Vista Mayor Shane Saum said that the cameras were added as a budget item in 2022 without much public discourse regarding their implementation.
“I think the public felt a little duped that these were installed three years ago. There was never a major council discussion on it. They didn’t have an opportunity to speak on it,” Saum said. “They just started seeing them around town, and I think when the process isn’t done correctly, you kind of lose that trust of the citizens.”
Lago Vista residents grew increasingly concerned about oversight of the Flock system and began a petition to have the cameras removed from the city.
“They actually started a citizen-initiated referendum, something that I’m not aware has been done in Lago Vista before,” Saum said.
Citizens were also concerned about some of the camera locations, including some by the middle school, leading residents to believe that the cameras were collecting more data than just license plates. However, Flock states that its ALPRs are designed to capture vehicle information rather than identifying people and does not use facial recognition.
Saum then pointed out that Lago Vista has one of the lowest crime rates in Texas, making Flock cameras an unnecessary tool in its arsenal.
“We did have an open discussion with our police chief that if we didn’t have these cameras, do you feel like you can still do the job and you guys can still help solve these crimes?” Saum said. “We do know as well that there are a number of other neighboring communities that have these cameras. If a worst-case scenario did occur and somebody left the boundaries of Lago Vista, we do believe that our neighbors would pick them up as well, but it doesn’t mean it’s an easier decision.”
Lago Vista is working to remove all of its ALPRs. Four cameras remain installed, though none are operational.
The Republican Parties of Rusk and Waller counties have both adopted resolutions that direct lawmakers to put guardrails on Flock cameras, including data deletion, warrant requirements, and closing privatized backdoors allowing local HOAs to request ALPRs in their neighborhoods.
The Texas Legislature is expected to address these issues in the 90th Legislative Session, which is slated to begin on January 12, 2027.
