Flock offers voluntary separation packages to staff amid camera backlash

The automated license plate reader firm Flock Safety has offered employees voluntary separation packages ahead of its “next phase of growth,” as the firm faces mounting scrutiny from communities and policymakers across the country.

“Flock recently offered current employees a generous Voluntary Separation Program as part of our efforts to position the company for its next phase of growth,” the spokesperson wrote in an emailed statement to The Hill on Friday.

The spokesperson emphasized this was not a layoff, but a voluntary program that “reflects our continued focus on building a strong, sustainable business for the future.”

Reuters, which first reported the packages, said the buyout program is expected to impact about 270 employees or about 18 percent of its staff. Flock declined to comment when asked about the percentages.

While there are various ALPR firms across the nation, Flock drew particular backlash this year for its network of more than 120,000 cameras across the country.

Flock’s plate readers record license plate numbers like traditional ALPRs, but also specific details about a car to create what the company calls a “vehicle signature.” Recorded details include the make, model and color of the car along with unique features like bumper stickers, decals and accessories. It does not include facial recognition.

Privacy concerns have existed for years over ALPR technology, but Flock and other firms’ new use of AI and a series of recent news reports on law enforcement misusing the technology caught the attention of Capitol Hill this year.

Lawmakers from both parties have proposed legislation to limit the use of Flock and other ALPR technology. Last week, a group of progressive lawmakers including Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) introduced legislation to ban federal agencies from using ALPRs.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) unveiled a bill last month called the Flock-Off Act, which would block any attempt to purchase, install, maintain, operate or upgrade ALPRs and biometric surveillance cameras for municipalities and localities. While the bill title references Flock, it would not be the only company impacted.

And Republican Sen. Josh Hawley (Mo.) spearheaded a congressional hearing last month on AI-powered surveillance camera manufacturers as part of an investigation into Flock.