City officials in Palm Bay confirmed Monday that they have removed Flock AI-powered surveillance cameras from several public locations and are conducting an investigation into their installation. The move comes after concerns raised by residents and city staff about the cameras’ data collection practices and compliance with state privacy laws. City Manager Lisa Carter said the cameras, which were installed earlier this year, will remain offline until the review is complete.
The Flock system, which uses facial recognition and license plate scanning technology, was deployed in three city parking garages and two public parks. According to city records, the contract with Flock was signed in April 2023 as part of a pilot program to enhance public safety. However, the technology has drawn scrutiny from local advocacy groups, which argue it violates Florida’s privacy statutes.
Carter said the city is reviewing whether the cameras’ data-sharing agreements with third-party vendors met state requirements. “We have a responsibility to ensure any technology we use aligns with both federal and state laws,” she said in a statement. The review will include an audit of the cameras’ data retention policies and a consultation with legal experts.
The decision to remove the cameras follows a public meeting last week where residents voiced concerns about potential misuse of the data. Some residents expressed fear that the system could be used for “mass surveillance,” while others questioned the city’s transparency in the procurement process. City officials did not immediately comment on whether the cameras will be replaced with alternative monitoring systems.
The city council is scheduled to discuss the findings of the review at its next meeting on June 12. In the meantime, the affected parking garages and parks have reverted to standard security measures, including motion-sensor lighting and manual monitoring by city staff.