Have I been flocked
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The gist
Have I Been Flocked? lets users search license plates in public Flock audit records.
The tool exposes police surveillance searches, fueling privacy and transparency debates.
Background
Flock Safety operates a network of over 120,000 automated license plate readers across 49 states. The website Have I Been Flocked? was created to let individuals check if their license plate appears in publicly released audit logs of Flock system searches. It relies on public records requests and transparency portals, so its database is incomplete. The tool has gained attention amid growing concerns about surveillance, privacy, and police misuse of the technology.
How it unfolded
- Jul 29, 2026A Flock camera is photographed near East Knox County Elementary School, illustrating their prevalence.
- Aug 7, 2026Patch reports that Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office searched Flock logs about 100 times on July 1, the most recent date in the database.
- Aug 9, 2026Savannah Now publishes a guide to Have I Been Flocked?, explaining its purpose and limitations.
- Aug 11, 2026USA Today reports on how to check if your license plate has been 'Flocked', mentioning related sites DeFlock and Eyes On Flock.
- Aug 12, 2026The 19th News reports on Flock's use in stalking and abuse, citing at least 50 officers accused of misuse.
- Aug 13, 2026Cincinnati Enquirer editor calls for more transparency from police on Flock camera use.
Who’s saying what
- Support
- Supporters say license plate readers give investigators another tool to solve crimes, recover stolen vehicles, and find missing people.
- Caution
- Privacy advocates warn the technology can track motorists not suspected of crimes, revealing trips to workplaces, clinics, or political events.
- Official
- Flock Safety says its cameras are designed to help authorized users find evidence for investigations without compromising safety and compliance.
- Public
- Civil rights groups and community activists push for jurisdictions to cancel Flock contracts, citing misuse and surveillance concerns.
Still unverified
The claim that Flock cameras have been used to find a woman who self-managed an abortion is based on reports but not confirmed in the material.