Aggieland
Sponsored by

Flock/ City Council Meeting

46,477 Views | 489 Replies | Last: 1 hr ago by PS3D
Koko Chingo
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
5:09p, 7/24/26
AG
Not sure what is worse, the Flock cameras or DPS new Chevy Tahoe's that cost over $1.1 million each. They can drive around without a warrant and capture all of your cellular data withour you even knowing and that includes private data.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/how-texas-police-spent-4-5-million-on-four-chevy-tahoes

With Flock cameras I just think of it this way -
Imagine a government employee in a car following you anytime you get into a vehicle and writing down everywhere you drive and how long you park for. 24/7 365. That is extremely creepy. Cameras just make it easier and doesn't call in sick, take vacation or complain.

Reply Quote
5
Stucco
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to PS3D • 8:41p, 7/24/26
How could you possibly know what the OH township is using it for? That's exactly the issue. The CSPD Chief went out of his way to emphasize that he doesn't have access because he "doesn't need it," yet some unknown set of people an Ohio township, completely unaccountable to College Station residents or CSPD, does have access and can run whatever searches it wants.

We're being asked to trust a system where outside agencies (or just organizations) can monitor local movements with zero local oversight. The locked front door used by our officers doesn't mean much when thousands we don't elect, don't regulate, and can't audit have access through the loading dock.
Reply Quote
21
AggiePhil
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Stucco • 9:12p, 7/24/26
AG
What do you think someone at a township in Ohio would do even if they did know where your car drove around to?
Reply Quote
1
CS78
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to AggiePhil • 9:21p, 7/24/26
AggiePhil said:
What do you think someone at a township in Ohio would do even if they did know where your car drove around to?


Probably a thousand ways that your travel habits could be used to spam/ scam people.
Reply Quote
10
PS3D
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Stucco • 9:49p, 7/24/26
Stucco said:
How could you possibly know what the OH township is using it for? That's exactly the issue. The CSPD Chief went out of his way to emphasize that he doesn't have access because he "doesn't need it," yet some unknown set of people an Ohio township, completely unaccountable to College Station residents or CSPD, does have access and can run whatever searches it wants.

We're being asked to trust a system where outside agencies (or just organizations) can monitor local movements with zero local oversight. The locked front door used by our officers doesn't mean much when thousands we don't elect, don't regulate, and can't audit have access through the loading dock.


"Accessing" and "access to" are two very different things.
Think about this--a vast number of deeds of sale in this country are accessible via database, many viewable for free. I can look up when you bought your house and who from quite easily. But I don't know who you are. I could pick a random deed from Brazos County and the odds are astronomical that it's yours. But what am I even looking for? What would I stand to gain? Unless someone had a specific interest in your or your property, why would they even bother looking?

Don't take this wrong way, but to put it bluntly--you're just not that interesting.
Reply Quote
2
Omperlodge
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
4:22a, 7/25/26
For years, they had a license plate reader on highway 6 stopping stolen cars headed into BCS. They used flock cameras to stop the thieves that were hitting Traditions and Pebble Creek golf course homes from Calvert.

The system works but access needs to be monitored.
Reply Quote
5
MidRatsAg
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to AggiePhil • 5:32a, 7/25/26
AG
AggiePhil said:
What do you think someone at a township in Ohio would do even if they did know where your car drove around to?


I don't have a responsibility to identify specific scenarios from a sea of unknowable outcomes that could negatively affect me or my family before deciding I don't like being surveilled.
Reply Quote
24
MidRatsAg
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Omperlodge • 5:35a, 7/25/26
AG
Omperlodge said:
They used flock cameras to stop the thieves that were hitting Traditions and Pebble Creek golf course homes from Calvert.

Do you have a source on this?
Reply Quote
7
Omperlodge
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to MidRatsAg • 6:23a, 7/25/26
Bryan PD. As a POA representative, they kept us very informed and we provided data back from door bell cameras. The thieves were very smart. They parked on other blocks. Used the golf course to access the rear of homes. Without glass break sensors, they could hit the master bedroom., bath, and closet. In most cases, they would even set off an alarm but if they did police responded to the home and they would be on another street with the get away car. Their system was able to id two cars.

On the highway six speed monitoring camera using a license plate reader, that was told to us during a grand jury by the district attorney.

Residents of Pebble Creek solved the break ins in 2016 and 2017. They posted license plates to next door. It was quite impressive.
Reply Quote
4
maroon barchetta
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Omperlodge • 6:39a, 7/25/26
Yeah. The residents of Pebble Creek solved it. Using data they could review.

You don't see the difference here?
Reply Quote
14
Omperlodge
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to maroon barchetta • 12:16p, 7/25/26
maroon barchetta said:
Yeah. The residents of Pebble Creek solved it. Using data they could review.

You don't see the difference here?


Or it would have been solved weeks earlier with Flock. I am not an advocate for flock. Just giving examples of when data from license plate readers have worked.
Reply Quote
4
maroon barchetta
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Omperlodge • 12:23p, 7/25/26
Omperlodge said:
maroon barchetta said:
Yeah. The residents of Pebble Creek solved it. Using data they could review.

You don't see the difference here?


Or it would have been solved weeks earlier with Flock. I am not an advocate for flock. Just giving examples of when data from license plate readers have worked.


That would take effort by law enforcement. Will they do that?
Reply Quote
3
BlueMiles
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
12:37p, 7/25/26
AG
What's wrong with not surveilling until there is a reason to? Enter in a license plate number into the Flock system, with a warrant, or when AMBER alert conditions are met, etc., THEN alert if they pass a camera. Don't record if there isn't a reason. That they don't do it this way by default should make you wonder what they plan to do with all the data.
Reply Quote
12
CS78
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to BlueMiles • 1:28p, 7/25/26
Good idea. And I think a lot of people would have been ok with that. Problem is, trust is already gone, with the way this was slipped in without public comment. Now, the more municipalities dig their heels in, the less likely a compromise will be acceptable to the masses.
Reply Quote
9
PS3D
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to BlueMiles • 8:30p, 7/25/26
BlueMiles said:
What's wrong with not surveilling until there is a reason to? Enter in a license plate number into the Flock system, with a warrant, or when AMBER alert conditions are met, etc., THEN alert if they pass a camera. Don't record if there isn't a reason. That they don't do it this way by default should make you wonder what they plan to do with all the data.


I don't think you understand how a security camera system works. Maybe I'm reading this wrong but this seems like "only turn on the Ring camera AFTER someone runs off with the Amazon package" type thinking.
Reply Quote
3
The Brazos Kid
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:57p, 7/25/26

[This forum is for discussion and opinions and we do not allow posts that are just memes. Thank you. -Staff]
Reply Quote
6
Edited by Staff
Kenneth_2003
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to birdman • 11:39a, 7/26/26
AG
birdman said:
The guy from Flock skillfully dodged every question asked by City Council.

I'm curious about the "guardrails" put in place in Montgomery County, Harris County, Conroe, etc where cops have been busted in last month or two.

I'm not in BCS, but following still.

My thoughts...
When you hear the Police Chief or the Flock rep speak, don't listen so much to what they say. Listen to what they DON'T say. What they won't tell you is far more informative than the company line they will tell you. Of course the company man skillfully ducked and dodged every question he didn't want to answer, that's his job.

As for the supposed guardrails... I haven't caught the latest, but Conroe is fighting tooth and nail to avoid an open records request. Fella requested a bunch of information and ponied up over $1000 in bucks in fees for the data. Conroe fought and pushed back hard against him. Of course this sent him the the State AG office who in large part sided with him and last I heard Conroe was still fighting and pushing back.

So to everyone that says, "If you haven't done anything wrong you don't have anything to hide" I then have to ask, "Why is the government pushing back with every legal and bureaucratic roadblock they can to resist transparency and records?

Those who will surrender liberty and freedom in the name of security will have none of it.

To the Pebble Creek example; it's not an example of Flock could have done it better and faster. It's an example instead of why Flock is NOT needed, and a prime example of Flock being caught in a bold lie. They say, "they're just license plate readers," but it's a very safe bet that all of those Ring cameras that were voluntarily handed over to law enforcement contained and used a lot more than license plates to catch the thieves.

edit... typos
Reply Quote
15
1 edit
CS78
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:48a, 7/26/26
So what needs to be done to get this on November ballots?
Reply Quote
7
Koko Chingo
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to CS78 • 12:07p, 7/26/26
AG
Not sure but tell me when and where and the wife and I will sign the petition.
Reply Quote
3
PS3D
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Kenneth_2003 • 12:12p, 7/26/26
Kenneth_2003 said:

So to everyone that says, "If you haven't done anything wrong you don't have anything to hide" I then have to ask, "Why is the government pushing back with every legal and bureaucratic roadblock they can to resist transparency and records?"


Who in this thread is arguing this? Better not be accusing me, if you are, you didn't understand what I was saying.
Reply Quote
Kenneth_2003
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to PS3D • 12:25p, 7/26/26
AG
No, not calling out you or anyone specifically, and it has not been implicitly stated in this thread. I have seen a few times by posters over on F16. Also I've seen that argument used in other 4th and even 5th amendment situations.

So I was just stating that in a general sense. Sorry for any confusion.
Reply Quote
3
1 edit
camra
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
3:15p, 7/26/26
When police lay it on thick and say criminals will run rampant without these cameras, just know your privacy rights will soon be reduced - they have lots of cameras like this in China and North Korea - heck why not put pole cameras everywhere - also hackers and corrupt officers can use it and not in a good way - very valid concerns by lots of people
Reply Quote
10
Detective Jake Peralta
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to PS3D • 3:17p, 7/26/26
AG
aggie-1997 said:
Rapier108 said:
aggie-1997 said:
Admittedly I have not done any research or know the issues regarding these cameras, so can someone tell me what the concern is?

I am just trying to understand the real issue, outside of people not wanting to be tracked.

Outside of the conspiracy theories, the main issue people have is many consider it to be an invasion of privacy. They consider it to be the next step toward a "dystopian surveillance state." Some don't even bring up those issues and instead just focus on the random cases of people misusing the data such as a cop who used the cameras to stalk his ex-girlfriend.

The counter argument is that there is no expectation of privacy when you're in a public space (more than a few court rulings take that position); which roads/streets are considered to be.

Since these cameras do not result in tickets being issued like the red light cameras, it is an entirely different issue. Also, these cameras are not run or owned by the local governments. They are owned by Flock who then licenses the data to whichever law enforcement agencies want to use them.

Also, some private businesses like Lowes have them to help track the regular shoplifters who visit the stores. The cities/county could not remove those as that is private property and the owner has ever right to put in whatever surveillance system they want. If one doesn't like it, then simply shop elsewhere.

That said, I see both sides of the issue. They are a great tool for law enforcement and have helped catch a lot of bad people and rescue kidnap victims. On the other hand, because the cameras are owned by a business and not the government, there are no 4th amendment protections.

Its a tangled mess that I can't see an answer for where all sides would be happy. The anti-Flock side have already started destroying cameras in various places around the country so they're dug in and not going to budge.

Thanks for the explanation. Very helpful.

Based on that explanation, I am not sure I see a huge concern. I guess since I have no intentions of committing crimes, then I don't really care if I am being watched. Everything else in my life is being tracked, etc. And, if these things help with crime then it seems like a positive.

I do find it interesting that some of those that are against the cameras are the ones committing crimes by destroying them. A bit of irony in that situation.
Reply Quote
australopithecus robustus
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
3:30p, 7/26/26
Whatever did society do before social media and public surveillance? Did kids drink out of water hoses or something outrageous like that????
Reply Quote
11
PS3D
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Detective Jake Peralta • 6:56p, 7/26/26
OK, so one person, and talking only about themselves.

Quote:

To the Pebble Creek example; it's not an example of Flock could have done it better and faster. It's an example instead of why Flock is NOT needed, and a prime example of Flock being caught in a bold lie. They say, "they're just license plate readers," but it's a very safe bet that all of those Ring cameras that were voluntarily handed over to law enforcement contained and used a lot more than license plates to catch the thieves.

Yeah, but you're also undermining your own argument. Flock cameras are bad because they're spying you, but your neighbors' cameras pointed toward the street and also have central servers are fine because...?
Reply Quote
2
EFR
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
7:29p, 7/26/26
To me it comes down to this.
Security cameras on buildings are there for the protection of that property. Your phone tracks you so GPS works and calls go to the right towers. The surveillance use is secondary to what the primary use is. Flock is surveillance for the purpose of surveillance. That makes a lot of people uncomfortable.
Reply Quote
21
Queso1
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to CS78 • 8:05a, 7/27/26
AG
CS78 said:
So what needs to be done to get this on November ballots?


It is on the ballot. Remember how the council members vote on it.
Reply Quote
10
CS78
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Queso1 • 9:49a, 7/27/26
Queso1 said:
CS78 said:
So what needs to be done to get this on November ballots?


It is on the ballot. Remember how the council members vote on it.


Don't trust. How do we get it so citizens can vote on it?
Reply Quote
3
Kenneth_2003
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to EFR • 11:02a, 7/27/26
AG
EFR said:
To me it comes down to this.
Security cameras on buildings are there for the protection of that property. Your phone tracks you so GPS works and calls go to the right towers. The surveillance use is secondary to what the primary use is. Flock is surveillance for the purpose of surveillance. That makes a lot of people uncomfortable.

Additionally...
All of the other methods mentioned in this thread require voluntary surrender of the data (Ring) or a warrant signed by a judge to get the data turned over from the private company. (I'm not going to wade into the warrantless capabilities for programs like FISA, that's an argument for another thread)
Reply Quote
woodiewood1
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to MidRatsAg • 7:55p, 7/27/26
MidRatsAg said:
Agreed. Theres a massive difference with me understanding the privacy risks of going out in public vs. having my behavior tracked, analyzed, and sold.

Are the cameras on public property analyzing and selling my traveling?
Reply Quote
2
EBrazosAg
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to woodiewood1 • 9:30p, 7/27/26
AG
The ones I have seen are in the public ROW.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
Reply Quote
1
EliteElectric
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:01a, 7/28/26
is there a youtube of the student "Duke Blaney" speaking? I thought it was a pretty cool 2 minutes



***ETA***

Here is the bookface video

https://www.facebook.com/reel/975181968898895
www.elitellp.net/

Reply Quote
1
1 edit
doubledog
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to Omperlodge • 9:04a, 7/28/26
Omperlodge said:
For years, they had a license plate reader on highway 6 stopping stolen cars headed into BCS. They used flock cameras to stop the thieves that were hitting Traditions and Pebble Creek golf course homes from Calvert.

The system works but access needs to be monitored.

I am for Flock cameras that are not owned and operated by for-profit companies. If it is a good thing then neighborhoods/cities/sates should find ways to fund them.

Reply Quote
1 edit
CS78
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:19a, 7/28/26
Quoted from Yancy for mayor Facebook page. Looks like they've decided on a position to go forward with.

"I originally identified the problematic contract provisions in our agreement (signed last year before the recent controversy) leading to my colleagues and I deciding to take a closer look last week. We'll keep our eye on them and watch the watchers, so to speak. If there are any emerging issues we'll reevaluate but we ARE watching closely.

Right now, there have been no abuses of the system locally but several major crimes solved using it.

I'm watching it closely, and tracking the court cases nationally.

Respectfully

Yancy '95"

Another case of not listening to the citizens and them believing they know what's best for us.
Reply Quote
15
1 edit
Aggieland Proud
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to CS78 • 11:22a, 7/28/26
AG
At this point, I am in line with Yancy and the council. Although it was in a different county, my family was the beneficiary of a Flock camera making a connection to the folks that broke into our place. I do, however, have the same concern about abuse, particularly where I keep seeing folks in government abuse various systems and there is no accountability that follows. I can easily fall back to the anti-flock side so my being okay with Flocks may be short lived.
Reply Quote
9
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.