Flock Safety on Friday opened a voluntary buyout program for employees.
The move came as governments around the country pull its cameras from streets and end contracts with the automated license plate reader company.
Here's what to know
Flock told employees they have until Oct. 2 to apply, Wired reported. The offers include payouts in the tens of thousands of dollars, months of healthcare coverage, and a two-year window to exercise vested stock options. Without the program, the outlet noted, layoffs would be likely.
Most employees who accept an offer are expected to depart the company by Oct. 29.
Local governments have been stepping away from license plate readers. Secure Justice said 93 cities and counties cut ties with Flock last month alone, as Yahoo reported, and Mother Jones said 90 of the 214 cities that have dropped the company since 2021 did so in August.
Texas paused state funding for Flock deployments, and Florida's Department of Transportation terminated all active ALPR permits on state highway rights of way effective Aug. 31.
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More background
The backlash goes beyond budgets. Privacy concerns, allegations of misuse, and questions about how much data the cameras collect have all fueled resistance from residents and officials.
Scrutiny grew with reports that officers used Flock cameras to track former romantic partners and colleagues. Wired and 404 Media also reported that a dismantled camera collected more than basic plate data, tracking people and bicycles as well as details on passersby. The analysis showed the tool can scan footage for people matching a written description and may be built to work alongside drones.
Yahoo noted that Florida sheriffs removed cameras from "county and local environments" as well as state roads. "For residents in those areas, the rollbacks mark the first time a government has reversed course on a surveillance contract after sustained public pressure," it stated.
What's being done?
After revoking the permits, Florida gave agencies 30 days to remove the devices, according to Yahoo.
In an internal email, Flock said the separation program offers employees "greater agency" and "treats employees with transparency, respect, and choice," per Wired.
Where can I learn more?
These stories cover other aspects of surveillance tools, from canceled camera contracts to enforcement harms linked to camera systems.
• In Los Angeles, police ended a Flock contract after one-third of stolen-car alerts proved false.
• In Toledo, Ohio, a camera-linked traffic stop ended in a settlement and renewed expert warnings.
• In Russellville, Alabama, police used surveillance cameras to identify a man accused of illegal dumping.
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