City of Taylor Ends Contract With Flock Safety Over Data Security Concerns
The Texas city has terminated its agreement with the technology provider due to dissatisfaction with their data protection measures.
The City of Taylor has ended its contract with Flock Safety, a move driven by concerns over the company's data security practices. This decision comes as the city expresses its disappointment with the effectiveness of Flock Safety’s systems in safeguarding sensitive information 123.
Taylor’s contract with Flock Safety, which began in late 2023, involved the installation of eight license plate readers along Highway 79 and Highway 95. These devices were intended to enhance public safety by providing real-time data to the police department. However, the Taylor Police Department reported that the use of these cameras did not yield the anticipated benefits in crime-solving efforts 13.
As a result of this perceived underperformance and a general loss of confidence in the Flock Safety program, the city has decided to terminate the contract. The eight cameras, which have already been deactivated, will be removed from their locations within the next few days 13.
This development highlights the ongoing scrutiny faced by technology providers in the realm of public safety, where both the functionality and security of their products are critical factors for municipal contracts 13.
What we know
- The City of Taylor terminated its contract with Flock Safety 123
- The city expressed dissatisfaction with Flock Safety’s data security measures 13
- Eight cameras will be removed shortly after being disabled 13
- Taylor had a contract with Flock Safety for eight license plate readers since late 2023 1
- The Taylor Police Department found the use of Flock cameras to be less effective than expected in solving crimes 1
- The decision to terminate the contract was influenced by a loss of confidence in the Flock Safety program and its perceived lack of benefit to the community 1
Trust Score report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 76%, weighted across 9 claims from 3 independent outlets.
- confirmed The City of Taylor terminated its contract with Flock Safety. (92%)
- likely The city expressed dissatisfaction with Flock Safety’s data security measures. (84%)
- likely The eight cameras will be removed shortly after being disabled. (84%)
- likely Taylor had a contract with Flock Safety for eight license plate readers on Hwy 79 and Hwy 95 since late 2023. (70%)
- likely The Taylor Police Department found the use of Flock cameras to be less effective than expected in solving crimes. (70%)
- likely The decision to terminate the contract was influenced by a loss of confidence in the Flock Safety program and its perceived lack of benefit to the community. (70%)
- likely Eight Flock Safety cameras were used by the City of Taylor. (70%)
- likely The eight Flock Safety cameras have been deactivated. (70%)
- likely The eight Flock Safety cameras will be taken down within the next few days. (70%)
Sources
- FOX 7 Austin (Austin) — City of Taylor terminates contract with Flock Safety
https://www.fox7austin.com/news/city-taylor-terminates-contract-flock-safety - KXAN Austin (Austin) — City of Taylor ends contract with Flock
https://www.kxan.com/news/local/taylor/city-of-taylor-ends-contract-with-flock/ - KVUE (Austin) — City of Taylor ends Flock Safety contract over data security concerns
https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/williamson-county/taylor-texas-flock-cameras-contract-ended/269-59c6cda1-59d0-46ff-992a-7a36bbe53519