How much safer do Flock cameras make us?
Summary
This episode examines the economics and ethics of Flock, a network of automated license plate readers now worth over $8 billion. Hosts Ricky Mulvey and Wayne Wong discuss a study by criminal justice professor Scott Morkes, which found that Flock cameras modestly reduce car thefts but do not necessarily speed up suspect identification. The show also highlights significant misuse, including tracking protesters, undocumented immigrants, and individuals seeking legal medical care, prompting several cities to pause or cancel contracts.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Flock cameras and their rapid growth
The dual nature of Flock: safety vs. privacy concerns
How Flock differs from traditional license plate readers
Data retention policies and continuous surveillance
Economic lens: Studying the effectiveness of Flock
Study results: Modest reduction in car thefts
Limitations of Flock and the complexity of crime
Flock's marketing vs. the actual research findings
Misuse cases: Tracking immigrants, protesters, and abortion
City cancellations and false positive arrests
Conclusion: Balancing crime reduction with privacy
Newsletter promotion and production credits
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