All articles tagged with #motor vehicle crime prevention authority
Gov. Greg Abbott paused state grants for Flock cameras after revelations that a catalytic converter fee funded a massive surveillance expansion. While local agencies scramble to cut costs, the Texas Department of Public Safety retains its network, which is accessed nationwide by agencies without formal agreements.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered state agencies to pause funding for Flock AI-powered surveillance cameras following a surge in privacy concerns and reports of officer misuse. The directive comes as The Texas Tribune prepares to release an investigation revealing that the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority has spent at least $30 million on the technology since 2023. While Abbott frames the move as a necessary crackdown on abuse, critics argue the state facilitated a widespread surveillance network without proper legislative oversight.