TEXAS CITY – Texas City commissioners are expected to hear a presentation Wednesday evening about the police department’s use of Flock license plate reader cameras, weeks after the department identified two instances of possible misuse of the system.
The Texas City Police Department has used Flock cameras since 2023 and currently operates 26 cameras throughout the city.
According to the department, a recent internal review identified two instances of possible misuse involving department employees.
Police said one involved a civilian employee. The department said disciplinary action was taken in that case.
The second involves a police sergeant and remains under investigation.
Following the review, the department said it has made changes to its policy governing access to the Flock system.
Access is now limited to detectives and supervisors, according to police. The department also plans to conduct monthly audits of the system.
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Flock cameras under scrutiny across Houston area
The Texas City discussion comes as communities across the Houston area continue to debate the use of automated license plate reader cameras and how the information they collect should be accessed and monitored.
Flock cameras capture images of vehicles and license plates that can be searched by law enforcement as part of criminal investigations.
Neighboring League City recently approved the creation of a citizen committee to audit the city’s use of Flock cameras.
Other communities in the Houston area have also reconsidered their use of the technology amid questions about privacy, data access and oversight.
What happens next?
The Texas City Police Department is scheduled to give its presentation during a special City Commission meeting Wednesday.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.
And here’s where you’ll find more on the investigations by our ENOUGH team.
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