Investigative journalist discusses Flock cameras, transparency in Charleston

Our Take

Credit where it's due: this is the kind of local accountability journalism the ALPR beat needs more of. Perrin Moore didn't just write a press-release rewrite about Flock's new policy announcement — he asked the obvious follow-up question that most outlets skip: are the agencies actually paying for and using this stuff going to adopt any of it? That's the real story, because Flock's "recommendations" carry zero legal weight until a local government writes them into a binding contract or a state law forces the issue.

The spending angle matters too. Every dollar these Lowcountry departments hand Flock is public money buying a camera network that logs where your car goes, whether or not you're suspected of anything. When reporters start publishing what each agency is actually spending, it gives residents and city council members a concrete number to demand accountability for, instead of vague marketing copy about "community safety." South Carolina lawmakers reportedly circling regulation is a sign the pressure campaign nationwide is working — but self-policing by the vendor is not a substitute for enforceable law.

If you want to see whether Flock or similar ALPR cameras are already watching your own street, check our camera map, and if you're in South Carolina or anywhere else where lawmakers are finally paying attention, now's the time to push your local council for real transparency — start with our take-action guide.