Investigation Finds Unauthorized Access to Flock License Plate Camera Network
A Washington Post investigation revealed that former and unauthorized law enforcement personnel have retained or gained access to Flock's license plate reader camera network, using it for tracking purposes after leaving their posts or without proper authorization. This has led…
Anchorage, AK, October 21, 2026 —
A Washington Post investigation found that former and unauthorized law enforcement personnel have retained or gained access to Flock’s license plate reader camera network. The investigation reported that some used the system for tracking after leaving their posts, while others accessed it without proper authorization.
The investigation described multiple documented cases of misuse, including stalking. The findings point to security vulnerabilities involving who can access the network and whether that access continues or is obtained without authorization. The summary of the investigation does not provide details about the individuals involved or the specific tracking incidents.
License plate reader networks collect information that can be used to follow vehicle movements. In the cases described by the investigation, access to Flock’s network was used for tracking purposes. The information provided does not specify what data was viewed in individual cases, how access was retained or gained, or how long any unauthorized access lasted.
The investigation’s summary does not state how many cases were documented, where they occurred, or when they took place. It also does not identify the former or unauthorized personnel, explain the precise authorization rules at issue, or describe any response from Flock or law enforcement agencies. Those details were not provided in the available summary.
The findings raise questions about safeguards governing access to the camera network, particularly when personnel leave their posts or lack proper authorization. The investigation identified vulnerabilities and examples of misuse, but the information provided does not establish how widespread the problem is beyond the multiple documented cases.
Story summarized from the original created by Douglas MacMillan, Drew Harwell and Aaron Schaffer, The Washington Post on www.adn.com, see more information here.
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