Carl Gunn, a 77-year-old St. Petersburg resident, is popularly known as the ‘Flock Blocker’ and protests against Flock Safety’s automated license-plate reader (ALPR) cameras by sitting near them and holding a sign that reads ‘Down with the Flock’ in front of the camera lens. Police have said that his protest is legal because he is not damaging or tampering with the cameras.
Gunn posts his updates on Instagram and is often seen sitting in a lawn chair near accessible Flock cameras. He moves around to different cameras and blocks them while vehicles pass, preventing the cameras from getting a clear view.
Gunn uses a 12-foot pole from his pool and a broomstick to extend it. He attaches the sign to the end and positions it in front of the camera lens. So anyone accessing footage from that Flock camera will only see the sign “Down with the Flock.” He is careful to choose only Flock camera locations where he won’t obstruct sidewalks, WUSF reported.
Image Credit: @carters_charter / theflockblocker on Instagram
Why is Gunn Blocking Flock Cameras?
Gunn’s objection is primarily about privacy and surveillance. He says he doesn’t want Flock’s network recording where he goes and believes the technology amounts to excessive government surveillance.
His concerns center on the fact that Flock cameras can record license plates and vehicle characteristics, along with the time and location where a vehicle was seen.
He reportedly became interested in the cameras after noticing one lying on the ground. He later saw another one installed, researched how the technology worked, and decided he opposed it.
A post on X revealed that Gunn holds his protest on every Saturday.
One of Gunn’s Instagram posts shows him in action.
Texas Lawman Joins Flock Camera Protest
It’s not just members of the public; a lawman in North Texas has also joined the movement by shutting down all Flock cameras in his county, Motorbiscuit reported. He described them as “garbage,” stating that such surveillance “doesn’t belong in a free society.”
John D. Shirley, the Hood County Constable for Precinct 2, has opposed the use of Flock, describing the constant recording of motorists as “warrantless tracking” and “mass surveillance.”
“This is what limited government looks like. People in Hood County shouldn’t have to wonder if every trip they take is being logged and stored. I’m proud we got this done. It’s a real win for the citizens of this county,” he said.
“To Flock Safety Systems: come get your garbage out of my county.”