Dallas Flock camera program faces uncertain future as council weighs funding

The useful part

Dallas police have stationary license plate-reading cameras spread across 670 locations citywide. The technology, previously used by the department in its vehicles, was installed on stationary cameras last year as part of a $5.7 million contract between the city and Flock Safety. Dallas City Council member Adam Bazaldua said the program deserves more scrutiny.

How it works

• Dallas police, however, say the cameras have proven useful as an investigative tool.
• "DPD has not received official guidance regarding how the decision wil...
• "We have to be willing to pump the brakes and admit when maybe this technology hasn't yet been vetted to the level that we would like," Bazaldua said.
• Greg Abbott on Friday ordered state agencies to stop funding Flock cameras.
• The technology has faced increased scrutiny amid allegations nationally of police misuse and concerns about oversight of authorities' ability to track motorists.

What to take from it

The department said the technology has helped solve 13% of business robbery cases and 12 homicides this year. Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux told NBC 5 earlier this month that he supports the department's use of the cameras. "It's one that has helped solve crimes throughout Dallas – and it will continue to help solve crimes throughout Dallas," Comeaux said in August.

Details worth keeping

"It would, essentially, terminate the contract," Bazaldua said. The contract is already facing uncertainty after Gov.