Taylor City officials announced Monday that the city's contract with Flock Safety has been terminated. The city's eight Flock automated license plate readers, which have been on State Highway 79 and State Highway 95 since late 2023, are now disabled and will be removed in the coming days.
The city said the cameras were bought to help solve crime through access to the Flock database. A Taylor Police Department analysis found that the cameras were used far less often than expected and had not been useful in solving crimes, according to the department. Concerns about data security and Flock Safety's data protections were also cited.
Police Chief Joseph Chacon said, "We do not believe it is worth continuing our agreement with Flock." He also said the department may revisit the use of license plate readers if data security concerns are addressed. The Williamson County Sheriff's Office ended its Flock contract in August. Sherman and Midland have also ended their contracts. Gov. Greg Abbott paused state funding for Flock cameras in August and directed the Texas Department of Transportation in September to stop issuing new permits for them on state roads. In October, Comptroller Don Huffines barred grant funds his office administers from being used for Flock cameras and similar readers. Texas lawmakers are expected to consider regulations for these systems when the next legislative session begins January 12.