Source / The Associated Press – David Goldman
If you’ve ever wondered just how many cameras are quietly keeping tabs on cars across New York City, well…turns out the answer is a lot.
Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers have become an increasingly familiar sight around the city, but their presence isn’t exactly evenly distributed across the five boroughs. In fact, one borough has more Flock cameras than Manhattan, despite having a fraction of its population.
And while Flock’s technology is designed to help law enforcement identify and track vehicles, the growing number of license plate readers has also sparked plenty of questions about privacy and how this data is collected and used.
So, just how many are actually out there, and how many might be in your neighborhood? Here’s what the latest data shows.
Shutterstock / bluestork
Flock Safety is a public safety technology company best known for its automated license plate readers (ALPRs), which capture vehicle information and can help law enforcement investigate crimes and locate vehicles. Its technology extends beyond license plate readers, with products including automated drones, audio-detection devices, and cloud-based software designed to support public safety operations.
The rapid expansion hasn’t come without pushback, either. At least 90 cities nationwide, including several municipalities in New York, have rejected or canceled Flock contracts amid concerns over privacy and surveillance.
And while rules vary by location, some neighboring states have put strict limits on how ALPR data can be handled. In New Jersey, for example, Attorney General guidelines say the information can only be stored, audited, and accessed under specific circumstances tied to active investigations or crimes.
What to flock cameras track?
Mass Database Tracking: According to DeFlock—a grassroots organization dedicated to tracking surveillance equipment—there are currently over 130,000 automated license plate readers logged nationwide.
Vehicle Identification Details: These cameras do not just log license plate characters; they systematically capture vehicle features, color, make, model, and identifying traits like bumper stickers or roof racks.
Nationwide Data Sharing: The captured information feeds into searchable networks accessible by participating law enforcement agencies across city and state lines.
Shutterstock / Aaron of L.A. Photography
Flock counts by the boroughs
According to DeFlock data tracking Flock Safety ALPRs specifically across New York City:
Queens: 20 cameras
Brooklyn: 20 cameras
Staten Island: 12 cameras
Bronx: 7 cameras
Manhattan: 3 cameras
For New Yorkers, the numbers offer a clearer picture of how widely these systems are being used across the five boroughs. And with the technology continuing to evolve, it’s worth knowing what’s out there and how these cameras are being used.