(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Kenosha, Wis. – Kenosha County police agencies have recently implemented a network of advanced surveillance devices known as Flock cameras. These devices, mounted on black poles throughout the county, function as stationary artificial intelligence (AI) “police officers,” monitoring entry and exit points across the city. Currently, about 25 of these cameras are operational within the city limits, costing approximately $3,000 annually per unit to lease.
Flock cameras utilize AI to capture and analyze still images of passing vehicles, identifying features such as license plates, roof racks, trailer hitches, and even vehicle damage. The data collected remains in the system for 30 days, and law enforcement officers require a valid “Law Enforcement Officer Reason” to access the database. These images generally do not depict occupants inside the vehicles.
If a stolen vehicle passes one of these Flock cameras, officers get a “hot sheet” notification and are alerted to the presence of the vehicle, where it is, and which direction is it likely traveling.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Crime-Solving Capabilities
According to Kenosha Police officials, these cameras have significantly contributed to solving various crimes, aiding in securing convictions and supporting interstate investigations. Some of the notable cases where Flock cameras have been instrumental include:
- The dismantling of an ATM at Blackhawk Credit Union
- Recovery of stolen automobiles
- Solving numerous disorderly conduct incidents, retail thefts, and bank robberies
- Assisting in sexual assault cases, burglaries, and even a stabbing investigation
Captain James Beller, Commander of the Detective Bureau, has been a leading advocate for the program, while Chief Patrick Patton played a key role in securing funding from the city council and mayor’s office.
Beyond city-funded installations, some homeowner associations and private entities have also adopted Flock cameras, often allowing law enforcement access to the recorded data.
Balancing Security and Privacy
Despite their success in crime prevention, some community members express concerns over privacy. Law enforcement officials argue that these cameras are less intrusive than traditional surveillance systems, as they focus primarily on vehicle identification rather than individuals.
Powered by solar energy, Flock cameras operate efficiently with minimal downtime. Given their effectiveness, the Kenosha Police Department is seeking opportunities to expand the program further. Business owners interested in sponsoring a camera can contact Captain Beller at the Kenosha Police Detective Bureau – 262-605-5215
Mughot
Notable Arrests Facilitated by Flock Cameras
In a high-profile case, an alleged serial rapist was apprehended thanks to intelligence gathered from a Flock camera. The suspect, Carlos E. Scott Jr., was linked to multiple sexual assault cases, including an attack at Carthage College on March 26, 2024. The camera system played a crucial role in tracking his vehicle and connecting him to similar offenses in Evanston, Illinois.
(Kenosha County Sheriff)
In another case, a hit-and-run incident that resulted in serious injuries was solved with the help of Flock camera footage. On November 9, 2024, a bicyclist alerted Kenosha police about a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Investigators used camera data to identify and arrest the suspect, Leonel Vera-Gonzalez, who was later charged with Hit and Run – Great Bodily Harm.
As Kenosha continues to integrate AI-driven technology into law enforcement, Flock cameras are proving to be a valuable tool in enhancing public safety and ensuring justice is served.
(Kenosha Police Facebook)
51 Responses
Just one step closer to us being a 15 minute SMART city
This is an incredible invasion of privacy. We are nuts to allow the government the ability to surveil us “whenever there is a valid law enforcement officer reason’!?!? WTF! Go get a warrant, otherwise leave me alone.
There is no such thing as ‘invasion of privacy’ while you are in PUBLIC.
So….you are ok with the government simply taking photos of you and your car, tracking your every movement, collecting that data, and then being able to use it whenever there is a valid reason? Go read the constitution….better yet, go move to China, please.
I feel you are the same idiot that leaves all these ridiculous comments and I am sure you are a convicted felon. YES, for the greater good of the community, there are too many asshole criminals that ruined it for the rest of society. So please, put cameras EVERYWHERE, I am not a criminal and do not care about ‘privacy’ when out in public if it keeps the community safe.
Stalin and Hitler felt the same way….the greater good…..defined by who, you? You need probable cause to run someone’s plates or track them….unless you live in a communist state. We are in the free states of America.
The fuck you do, IDIOT! 90% of police vehicles have cameras that scan license plates it passes by. Go back to law school ass clown.
Flock Cameras: An Illegal Surveillance System That Violates Civil Rights
Flock Safety cameras create a nationwide, warrantless surveillance network that tracks the daily movements of millions of Americans without their knowledge or consent. These systems log and store detailed records of where you live, work, bank, shop, and receive medical care. The AI-powered cameras assign a visual “fingerprint” to your vehicle, meaning that even if you sell your car, its historical movements—and by extension, your movements—remain tied to you in a searchable, nationwide database.
This directly violates the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. The government should not be able to track individuals without probable cause or a warrant, yet Flock enables law enforcement and private groups to monitor citizens’ daily activities with little to no oversight.
Proven Abuse & Lack of Accountability
History shows that powerful surveillance tools are always abused. Law enforcement officers have already been caught using Flock cameras to stalk and track ex-wives, girlfriends, and even their exes’ new partners. If individual officers are using this system for personal vendettas, how can we trust that it won’t be used against political activists, journalists, or ordinary citizens who simply attract the wrong kind of attention?
Tyranny Always Begins in the Name of “Safety”
Government surveillance programs almost always start with good intentions—but history proves that they rarely stay within their original scope. Mass surveillance, once implemented, becomes a tool of control rather than security. The Institute for Justice recently highlighted these dangers in a must-watch YouTube video, exposing how Flock cameras operate as a shadow surveillance system that expands government power at the cost of personal freedom.
Final Warning
Flock Safety’s system is not just a crime-fighting tool; it is a step toward a surveillance state where citizens’ every movement is monitored, logged, and searchable—without cause, without a warrant, and without accountability.
This is a violation of our rights. This is illegal surveillance. And it needs to be stopped.
Calling someone an “Ass clown”? You certainly are good at conflating facts. Since when does the law allow a private company (Flock) to take photos of every single vehicle that passes and then running a check on their plates? OfficerWinslow hits it right on the head – keep following the sheep until you are “flocked” by the Big Surveillance State. We just learned from Zuckerberg how a tyrannical government (Biden) forced his private company (Meta) to censor and destroy people using privately collected data that spoke their minds. Keep following the heard…..right off the cliff.
Yeah, pretty sure if chalking tires is unconstitutional this sure AF is. Very valid legitimate points
Drivers license picture. Check. Car registration. Boat registration insurance on vehicle or not. Police running tags at stop lights. You can’t be that obtuse to believe it’s already happening.
Absolutely. If you follow the law, you have nothing to hide.
The US Constitution, specifically, the First and Fourth Amendments, afford all citizens the protection of privacy…..EVEN IN PUBLIC PLACES. Spend some time reading before you comment again. Start here: https://www.senate.gov/about/origins-foundations/senate-and-constitution/constitution.htm
Short little primer for you…..it starts out with the words, WE THE PEOPLE – not THEM THE GOVERNMENT!
I bet you’re the same type to bitch after your car is stolen that the cops aren’t doing anything
How about doing something about running red lights? Maybe station officer with camera on medium at 39th ave and 75th street and every other intersection in this town. Was stopped at the red light police car in the next lane we watched car run red light and all he did was shake his head so much for protecting our safety.
That hasn’t worked in the past. In fact KPD will sit at an red light and watch vehicles from their left and right, blowing past immediate red lights. This is what causes accidents. The cops will then turn their heads to see who watching them or stay ignorant and pretend it never happened. Its corruption and lazy KPD at their finest. Each time we meet up with our people from Ktown, we joke about the most recent one and all of KPD recent corruption escapades. This is how often it happens in that city
Corruption and lazy officials at its best, the city says it needs money run radar and running redlights that is a cash cow! Ex-chief grooming his son, we are becoming part of Chicago.
Put cameras and maybe redo that intersection completely… my daughter and mom were in a horrible car accident there last year. Non stop accidents there.
WisDOT Solutions to intersections like these has been roundabouts.
I agree! We almost got hit twice yesterday due to idiots running the red lights–even after the lights were red for the other drives for awhile!
My god, stop bitching about the lights and people driving, you fucking boomers.
Respect the badge? Ha
where are the blade runners when you need them? Big Brother cameras in Millsville
You haven’t learned yet? No one likes you.
Patton has them programmed to photograph himself each time he passes.
These are in Gurnee and we have one at work on private property that Gurnee PD uses. They are a great tool and should be used more
Sheep. I guess you don’t value your rights. Sucker
How quickly do these sheep forgot what they did to spy on Trump. Idiots.
What rights? The right to privacy while you’re in public doesn’t exist.
He is ignorant, trolls all the comments leaving stupid ass responses.
Musk knows everything about you now. But that’s okay?
Not if it’s against yours and mine Constitutional Rights, they shouldn’t be used, period. The corporations give the ones who lease these Flock cameras boat loads of money to get the data to insurance companies, P.I. Whatever 3rd party wants these for, they use these Flock cameras. We’re already in an surveillance state.
Cameras in public places don’t violate anyone’s rights. I hope they put up 300 more, and help them locate criminals. I don’t care if the see my car at every intersection I pass through, I’m not doing anything wrong…. When the criminals need to feel scared, I live whatever technology creates that feeling.
Exactly!
…until they start using them for other nefarious reasons. You’re only has biased as the ones accessing the footage.
Exactly!!
What is this fuckery? Phasing out the cops next?
Oddly enough I have no plans to become a criminal and therefore I’m perfectly fine with this.
These need to be at the intersections!
That’s not how these work
We need to start public shaming a-hole drivers
Amazing the Leo’s and others aren’t seeing the writing on the wall AI taking over their jobs.
You are 100% correct, cause these AI cameras have the ability to apprehend people. Holy shit, I feel stupid after reading these comments.
I think these cameras are a good idea in theory: you can find stolen cars! Stop criminals! Track down AMBER alerts! But these systems are only as good and trustworthy as those operating it. What’s to stop a bad actor from tracking their ex? Or a political enemy? If you’re okay with your plates being scanned as you drive around town, would you also be okay with a random person just following your car around all day? Wouldn’t you be a little weirded out by that?
Sure, you’re not entitled to privacy when you’re out in public but things like this are a slippery slope. First it’s just scanning license plates, but where does it end? Should law enforcement have the ability to GPS track every vehicle on the road? It would make finding stolen cars and missing people even easier. What about being able to remotely stop a vehicle? That would end police chases and keep innocent people safer.
Remember the old saying, “It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer”. I feel like a lot of people here would rather have ten innocent persons suffer if it meant one guilty person being caught. Your privacy is inherently inconvienent for people other than you, but that’s kind of the point, isn’t it?
put the cameras on all the roads, then link them to a YouTube, generate money off of views of all of our lovely Kenosha drivers
those dashcam channels get a lot of views, we can generate Kenosha some road repair money
I proudly voted No on this. Our cities were safer just a few years ago, and it wasn’t because of AI.
Thank you, Alderman Mau! Trying to improve safety by attacking the rights of innocent people is simply wrong.
Not completely up to date, but close.
https://deflock.me/map#map=12/42.549034/-87.853889
Maybe police better instead of needing cameras everywhere….
People who aren’t and never have been a cop telling cops to do their jobs better. Tell doctors to doc better and cure cancer instead of using big pharma to mask symptoms of the bigger problem. Teach your kids how to be law abiding and God loving citizens. That will help 90% of the problems in this world.
A society that gives up their freedom for safety will have neither