Texas Congressman Takes Flock Camera Fight to D.C.

There is a Texas congressman who is now fighting over Flock cameras and has taken the battle to Washington, D.C. We all know that Flock cameras and how they are used have become a heated debate as of late. One Texas politician wants to make some serious changes regarding how these cameras are used.

Flock cameras can capture images of passing vehicles which create a searchable record of a vehicle's license place, location, and more. Law enforcement officials say the technology has helped solve crimes by tracking suspects. But some say that the cameras violate the right to privacy.

There are many cities and counties including here in the Lone Star State that have moved to stop using Flock cameras in the past month.

READ MORE: Texas Constable Disables Flock Cameras Over Privacy Concerns

Texas Congressman Wants Warrants for Flock Data

Last month Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to stop using state funds for Flock cameras. The order came with some people not happy about his decision. The fight continues beyond Texas and has now reached Washington D.C.

Texas Congressman Keith Self, a republican filed legislation that would require federal law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before accessing or querying surveillance data collected by systems such as Flock. He is calling it the Protecting Rights in Video and Equipment Acquired Discovery (PRIVACY) Act.

What Would the PRIVACY Act Change?

The legislation has three major components:

• A warrant requirement: Federal law enforcement would generally need a warrant before accessing or querying covered surveillance data.
• A 30-day retention limit: Data obtained under a warrant would generally be limited to 30 days, with exceptions for evidence in a prosecution or a court-approved extension.
• Federal funding restrictions: The legislation would prohibit federal funds from being used to purchase or install covered intrusive technologies, with limited exceptions.

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What Do You Think About Flock Cameras?

What do you think about Flock cameras? Are they an important tool for law enforcement, or do they raise too many privacy concerns? Send your thoughts to billy.jenkins@townsquaremedia.com