Harris County – All 61 Flock Safety license plate reader cameras operated by Harris County Precinct 4 have been taken offline following a decision by Commissioner Lesley Briones, who cited growing concerns about residents’ privacy.
Briones’ office confirmed to KPRC 2 that all 61 cameras were physically covered as of noon Thursday, Oct. 8, rendering them unusable.
The commissioner’s office said Flock Safety has been notified of the precinct’s request to formally decommission the cameras, a process the company indicated would take approximately 48 hours.
In a statement, Briones said protecting residents’ privacy is just as important as protecting their safety.
“Nothing is more important to me than the safety and security of Harris County residents,” Briones said. “Safety and security includes protecting their privacy and the privacy of their families.”
Who controls the cameras?
According to Briones’ office, the 61 cameras are leased under an annual contract by Precinct 4, while the Harris County Sheriff’s Office serves as the designated administrator.
Briones’ office said it does have the authority to shut down the cameras.
Her office also confirmed that Briones consulted with the Harris County Attorney’s Office before making the decision.
The shutdown comes after Harris County Commissioners Court approved a roughly $2 million renewal of its Flock Safety agreement earlier this year.
When asked whether deactivating the cameras would violate any terms of that agreement, Briones’ office said it would not.
“Any questions relating to a county-wide contract should be referred to the Harris County Attorney’s Office,” the office said.
It remains unclear how much Precinct 4 pays annually for the 61 cameras and whether the county will continue paying for them after they are decommissioned.
“Under the current contract with Flock Group, Inc., Harris County commissioners and departments have discretion on the usage of their devices. A vote is not required to change how the devices are operated within the scope of the contract,” said Harris County attorney Abbie Kamin.
Why were the cameras shut down?
Flock Safety cameras are automated license plate readers that capture vehicle information, including license plates, which law enforcement agencies can use to help identify vehicles connected to criminal investigations.
However, the technology has also raised questions about privacy, access to collected information and the potential for misuse.
Briones said she has heard concerns from residents in her precinct and believes immediate action is necessary.
“I have heard my Precinct 4 residents’ legitimate concerns and am committed to addressing them,” she said.
When KPRC 2 asked whether the shutdown was prompted by a specific incident, evidence of misuse or a security concern involving Harris County’s Flock system, her office referred back to the commissioner’s public statement.
The office did not identify a specific incident in its response.
The decision also raises questions about how the shutdown could affect law enforcement agencies that rely on the cameras for investigations, particularly because the Harris County Sheriff’s Office administers the system.
It remains unclear whether the Sheriff’s Office was consulted before the cameras were physically covered or how the decision will affect access to previously collected license plate data.
Briones’ full statement
“Nothing is more important to me than the safety and security of Harris County residents,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones. “Safety and security includes protecting their privacy and the privacy of their families. I have heard my Precinct 4 residents’ legitimate concerns and am committed to addressing them. I will work closely with the community, my colleagues on Commissioners Court, our law enforcement partners, and our Harris County Attorney to determine the best path forward for the entire county. But I cannot wait to act. These Precinct 4 cameras are offline.”
Commissioners Court to discuss Flock cameras next week
The shutdown comes just one week before Harris County Commissioners Court is scheduled to revisit the county’s use of Flock Safety cameras.
County Judge Lina Hidalgo has called for a discussion on Thursday, Oct. 15, about the county’s Flock contracts, which agencies have access to collected data, where cameras are located and what safeguards are in place to prevent misuse.
Briones’ decision to deactivate Precinct 4’s cameras comes ahead of that countywide discussion.
It remains unclear whether other commissioners will consider similar action or whether the court will vote on changes to the county’s Flock program.
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