Texas Governor Greg Abbott has frozen state spending on Flock AI surveillance cameras. This decision arrives shortly before a Texas Tribune investigation revealed the state spent over $30 million on the technology. That funding was primarily raised by adding a $1 fee to auto insurance policies, a measure allegedly intended to combat catalytic converter theft. The move halts further purchases as public and legal scrutiny intensifies.
The cameras have drawn criticism across the political spectrum due to significant privacy concerns. Multiple incidents have seen officers placed on leave or criminally charged for misusing the systems, including instances where law enforcement allegedly stalked individuals. The funding freeze limits the expansion of a surveillance network that critics argue lacks adequate oversight. The state must now determine how to allocate the remaining budget for these devices.
* Over $30 million already spent on the programme
* Funding secured via a $1 surcharge on auto insurance
* Officers previously charged for misuse of the cameras
