The Indicator from Planet Money · Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Flock cameras, an Atlanta-based company with over 120,000 units across the US, are valued at over $8 billion and are used by police to track stolen vehicles and criminals. However, they have also been misused for stalking, tracking legal activities, and even in cases of alleged abortion tracking. A study found that while motor vehicle thefts fell by 11% in areas using Flock cameras, the impact on crime rates is complex and not a guaranteed solution.
“But they've also been misused to stalk ex-partners, track protests, find people who are doing stuff that's legal.”
“And we do want to note that Scott says he didn't receive any funding from Flock to do the study.”
“It's been used to track a woman who had an abortion.”