The Dallas Police Chief is set to meet with the CEO of Flock Systems next week to address the safety measures surrounding the contentious license plate-reading cameras. The meeting comes in the wake of a statewide funding pause ordered by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, which has led to the deactivation of a significant number of Flock cameras in Dallas and other cities.
Chief Daniel C. Comeaux will discuss the necessary safeguards to prevent potential misuse of the cameras, which the department considers essential for law enforcement. Currently, 321 Flock cameras in Dallas have been turned off due to the loss of a state grant that previously funded them, while 300 cameras remain operational through city funding.
In Plano, the impact of the funding pause is evident, as 90 Flock cameras have also been deactivated. The Plano Police Department has decided against seeking alternative funding but hopes to reinstate the cameras in the future. This loss is particularly significant given that a neighboring city’s Flock camera recently aided in the capture of a murder suspect linked to a crime in Plano.
Since the introduction of Flock cameras in 2024, Plano has experienced record-low crime rates, a trend that continued into 2025 and 2026. Chief Ed Drain of the Plano Police Department expressed the value of these cameras, stating, “They have definitely been a good asset for us,” while emphasizing that Flock is just one of many tools in their law enforcement arsenal.
Previously, the Dallas City Council opted to maintain its $1.5 million contract with Flock, voting against an amendment to eliminate the city-funded cameras despite a growing national debate regarding privacy concerns. Only three council members supported the cancellation of the contract, allowing 300 Flock cameras to remain operational in Dallas.
In contrast, other municipalities in North Texas have chosen to terminate their contracts with Flock amidst ongoing discussions about surveillance and privacy. Recent decisions include Wylie’s vote to end its contract and Hood County’s removal of three Flock cameras. Meanwhile, Dallas County has faced challenges related to vandalism and damage to its cameras, further complicating the situation.
