Louisiana lawmaker proposes legislation to ban Flock cameras

SHREVEPORT. La. - If you've been on the road today, you've probably passed at least one Flock safety camera.

The license plate-reading cameras have become increasingly common, with about 120,000 now installed nationwide.

Data from Deflock.org shows 131 cameras operating in Shreveport and Bossier City, 28 in Texarkana, and 14 in Marshall.

"The major concern with Flock cameras is warrantless mass surveillance. It's something that we've never seen before on a massive scale. I believe it's a Fourth Amendment violation," said District 1 state Rep. Danny McCormick.

McCormick intends to propose legislation that will ban Flock cameras in Louisiana.

"I've never seen anything so overwhelmingly against it. Personal safety shouldn't be weighed against our liberty. They shouldn't be able to mass surveil innocent people for the reason of thinking they can solve more crime," said McCormick.

It's concerning that law enforcement would use Flock cameras when the state just enacted legislation banning speed cameras, he said, adding that he's asking for a short-term fix to stop DOTD from permitting the Flock cameras until the Legislature meets again next spring.

"It's mass surveillance by a private company and contracted by what appears to be law enforcement. I have actually done some DOTD public records request to figure out who owns these cameras," said McCormick.

McCormick says we shouldn't have to sacrifice liberty for public safety.

"The more rights that innocent people get taken away, probably more criminals will be arrested. Is it worth the price we have to pay? I believe it's not," said McCormick.