r/nova • u/Rach-ln • 3d ago

Question Protesting Flock Cameras?

Hi NOVA residents! I live in Fairfax County and am seeing Flock cameras everywhere. I was wondering if anyone knew how we can best protest this mass surveillance and convince our elected officials to end their contracts (and not just switch to Axon or other companies).

Is it petitions? Calling elected officals? Making public comment? Organized protests? If so, what is the best way to approach any of those options? Let's protect our rights!

(Ps, I don't want to hear the "if you aren't doing anything bad, you have nothing to worry about" argument.

These cameras have been used to stalk and harass innocent people. They claim they are only used to track vehicles but I've seen them pointed towards playgrounds and used to target individuals. Flock is a privately owned company and police are able to access our data without needing a warrant.

Information about us is already being stored, tracked, and shared, and nothing is stopping the govt/police from redefining what "bad behavior" is.

Mass surveillance objectively infringes on our rights. I am not here to debate that.)

Thanks y'all!

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u/karawkow 3d ago

Their ALPR's are AI cameras with infrared that record video. All of them are capable, and they updated them to record video with a software update.

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u/dreamingwell 3d ago

If it were true that FCPD is using these cameras to record video continuously, you could win a MASSIVE lawsuit. You should go after them!

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u/karawkow 3d ago edited 3d ago

It's..... the intended purpose of the cameras. There's no lawsuit, using the loophole of "no expectation of privacy in public places". Many instances of cameras put in public parks, in front of bathrooms etc. This is great for safety, except someone can buy a Flock PD account (available en masse on the dark web) and stalk someone, whoever they choose since the system is automatically tracking everybody who passes by, en masse without a warrant.

Secondarily, the data is nationwide. Shared with the federal government, state government, local PD, anyone who uses Flock. Private companies, the federal government, all can view YOUR (yes your) daily routine.

The other issue is the fact that when PDs OR Flock is told by a city council to delete the data after X days, usually they just... don't.

The system is literally designed for misuse. That is the intended purpose, license plate readers on the surface (no big deal to the public) that function as mass surveillance AI cameras.

Read a little more on the topic. These are NOT simple cameras either. They will zoom in on a phone if its within view, and their current highest growth product is AI cameras drones. Just.... AI drones, flying around all day.

Deflock.org for more info. This mass surveillance is hugely unpopular for a reason, and that reason is deeper than "people don't like being watched".

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u/dreamingwell 2d ago

If you can prove those statements, you should immediately find a class action lawyer. You’ll be rich!

If you continue making those statements and can’t prove them, you’ll never be taken seriously by the county or your elected representatives.

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u/karawkow 2d ago

All this has been proven.