Flock cameras

[Durian Fiend]

The first I've heard of these was today in the NYT.   https://www.nytimes.com/article/flock-sa...ology.html

Coincidentally, Tam Hunt wrote a piece yesterday that discusses this new surveillance tech, among others.  https://tamhunt.medium.com/hawaii-should...09dedbc549

Apparently there are 4 of these cameras in East Hawaii.  Given the number of vehicle thefts on island, I'm not sure this is an undesirable use of "big brother".

From NYT:  "..Many of the cameras, known as A.L.P.R.s (for Automated License Plate Reader), use algorithms to read the letters and numbers on license plates, which are then cross-checked with so-called hot lists of vehicles that have been involved in crimes, including those reported stolen.
The cameras usually rely on infrared technology to help distinguish characters against the reflective backgrounds of license plates.
On its website, Flock says its cameras can detect vehicles up to 75 feet away. The devices are capable of capturing partial license plate numbers, vehicle makes, models, colors, alterations, times and locations, according to the company..."

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

Given the number of vehicle thefts on island, I'm not sure this is an undesirable use

There are a couple of weak links in this application:
1) if a car is stolen, thieves can easily change the license plate
2) if a thief commits a crime with a stolen car, the registration will lead police to the real owner, not the thief who drives it into the jungle

[HiloJulie]

As is usual for humankind, it's not necessarily the technology that gets invented that is the problem, its how the users end up using it that is the problem:

Police Accused of Misusing Flock Cameras Across 12 States - Newsweek

A Texas Deputy Searched 83,000 Flock Cameras To Track Down a Woman Who Had an Abortion

Imagine what our recently charged Maui Police Lieutenant could have done with this tech.

Now, granted, Hawaii is made up of islands so, unlike the mainland, its overall effectiveness is quite limited. However, just like AI, among other things as well, the possible good this technology can bring will be abused by the very people we place the most trust in.

[Punatang]

HJ Posted: ..the possible good this technology can bring will be abused by the very people we place the most trust in.


While I respect your theory, surely the experts and science can be trusted to act in our best interest, and keep us safe.

[MyManao]

The first I've heard.. Apparently there are 4..

They will be installed in the HPP mail parks within a year, guarans...

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

What ever happened to all of the cameras along Highway 130?

[Durian Fiend]

Given the number of vehicle thefts on island, I'm not sure this is an undesirable use

There are a couple of weak links in this application:
1) if a car is stolen, thieves can easily change the license plate
2) if a thief commits a crime with a stolen car, the registration will lead police to the real owner, not the thief who drives it into the jungle

True.   The sooner a stolen car is spotted, the less likely either of those will happen.

Also from NYT story: "...YouTube videos with millions of views show how Flock’s security vulnerabilities allowed it to be hacked and then watched like a sort of “Netflix for stalkers.”..

[Durian Fiend]

Another story today from NYT about Georgia deputies charged with using these cameras to stalk people (Their ex partners). https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/12/us/ge...n_20260813&nl=the-morning&segment_id=224655

"...A national debate has been brewing over Flock cameras, which can be found on roads in every state but Alaska. About 7,000 law enforcement agencies, or 40 percent of all departments in the United States, have contracts with the company, which is based in Atlanta...."

[Punatang]

We're all in this together.  Scan for safety.

[HiloJulie]

Interesting take on the new forms of surveillance from a few weeks ago on HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver show. While presented in an adult comedic format, I encourage watching the entire video. 

Very eye opening indeed.