Short, quotable answers to the questions residents and reporters ask most. For sourced, dated specifics, see The Facts.
What is DeFlock Wylie?
DeFlock Wylie is a resident-led, nonpartisan civic-education campaign to end Flock Safety's automated license plate reader (ALPR) surveillance in Wylie, Texas. It is run by Wylie residents under the name "Wylie Residents for Privacy" and is not affiliated with the City of Wylie, the Wylie Police Department, Flock Group Inc., or DeFlock.me.
What does a Flock Safety camera record?
A Flock ALPR camera photographs every passing vehicle and logs its license plate, make, model, color, and distinguishing features, along with the date, time, and location. The data is uploaded to a searchable national database. Some Flock devices also include microphones marketed to detect "sounds of distress." The cameras scan every driver — not only suspects.
Is Flock Safety surveillance legal?
Flock cameras are deployed under contracts with local governments, so the program operates legally in that narrow sense. But whether warrantless ALPR mass surveillance violates the Fourth Amendment is actively disputed in court, and some jurisdictions have ended or restricted their Flock programs over legal and privacy concerns. DeFlock Wylie argues the program should end as a matter of policy and constitutional principle.
Did Wylie residents vote on the Flock cameras?
No. The City of Wylie's Flock Safety contract was approved through a sole-source procurement process rather than a public vote, documented in records released under the Texas Public Information Act.
Have Flock cameras had security problems?
Yes. Independent security researchers and journalists have repeatedly found Flock cameras exposed on the open internet without passwords — streaming live and archived footage to anyone with a browser — and have found law-enforcement and Flock-related credentials offered for sale on dark-web markets. These findings contradict the company's security marketing.
Can I opt out of Flock surveillance?
No. There is no way for an individual to opt out of being scanned by a Flock ALPR camera while driving on public roads. The only way to stop the surveillance is to end the program — which is why DeFlock Wylie focuses on petitioning the Wylie City Council to terminate the contract.
Who can access the data captured in Wylie?
Because Flock operates a national network, data captured locally can be searched by other agencies and, in documented cases elsewhere, by federal authorities including immigration enforcement. Access controls and audit logs have been shown to be weaker in practice than the company describes.
What can Wylie residents do about it?
Take lawful civic action: contact the Wylie City Council and ask them to end the Flock contract, speak during public comment at council meetings, file Texas Public Information Act requests, and vote. DeFlock Wylie provides a contact tool and email template. It does not encourage tampering with equipment or any unlawful act.
Have a question we didn't answer, or think an answer is wrong? Email [email protected].