Dallas City Council members are signaling support for keeping Flock Safety camera funding in place, even as state funding is on pause and the technology faces growing scrutiny. In a nonbinding vote, they rejected a proposal from council member Adam Bazaldua to redirect $1.5 million for Flock during debate over the city manager’s proposed $5.6 billion budget. Dallas police said Tuesday they will deactivate 321 cameras later this month after the governor paused state funding for the technology. Some council members said the cameras are valuable for investigations and public safety, while others raised privacy concerns and questions about safeguards, data retention, and outside agency access, including for immigration enforcement. Council member Bill Roth first signaled support for the amendment, then said he would back keeping the technology after hearing from colleagues and Dallas police. Council member Cara Mendelsohn called the system an important part of the city’s violent crime plan and said cutting its funding would be a step backward for public safety. Council members Jaime Resendez and Paula Blackmon voted for Bazaldua’s amendment. A final budget vote is expected Sept. 16, and Wednesday’s vote suggests $1.5 million for Flock will remain in the proposed budget as Dallas police continue deactivating nearly half the city’s network.
