HaveIBeenFlocked: New Tool Reveals Flock Camera Searches on Your License Plate
A new website, HaveIBeenFlocked, allows drivers to check if their license plate was searched by agencies using Flock surveillance cameras. The tool queries public Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) audit logs to show which agencies conducted searches and the stated reasons, such as drug-related investigations or vehicle theft. While it does not indicate if a vehicle physically passed by a camera, it highlights growing privacy concerns over the widespread use of automatic license plate readers. Flock Safety has announced plans to implement an 'abnormal search behavior' flagging tool by January 1, 2027, in response to reported misuse by law enforcement officers.
Key points
- HaveIBeenFlocked enables users to input their license plate number to search through Flock system audit logs derived from FOIA requests.
- The tool displays which agencies performed searches and the recorded reasons, with drug-related inquiries and motor vehicle theft being the most common categories.
- The website does not save entered license plate numbers and does not reveal if a vehicle was physically observed by a camera, only if it was actively searched in the database.
- Flock CEO Garrett Langley announced that a tool to flag 'abnormal search behavior' will be implemented by January 1, 2027, to address misuse concerns.
- The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) described the upcoming changes as a 'step in the right direction' but criticized Flock for creating the infrastructure that enables extensive data collection.
Background
This development follows earlier coverage in August 2026 regarding the launch of the HaveIBeenFlocked tool and subsequent privacy debates. Previous reports highlighted concerns over immigration enforcement access to camera data and instances of officer misuse, such as a North Carolina officer who was fired after using the system to track her boyfriend's ex-wife over 30 times. Additionally, Utah advocates have recently pushed for stricter regulations on license plate reader data, citing millions of queries by out-of-state agencies since 2022.
Why it matters
The availability of HaveIBeenFlocked empowers individuals to monitor their digital footprint and potential surveillance by law enforcement agencies. As Flock cameras expand nationwide, the ability to verify search history and the company's commitment to implementing abuse-detection tools are critical for balancing public safety with civil liberties and privacy rights.
What to watch
Flock Safety is expected to roll out its new 'abnormal search behavior' flagging tool by January 1, 2027. Meanwhile, public scrutiny and potential legislative actions, such as those being considered in Utah, may lead to further regulatory changes regarding the use and data retention of automatic license plate readers.
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