Some Flock Surveillance Cameras Are Getting the Trash-Bag Treatment

In an ironic twist, some cities are using trash bags—the ultimate symbol of discarded waste—to fight back against high-tech surveillance cameras from Flock Safety. The low-tech protest highlights growing public backlash against automated license plate readers (ALPRs) that critics say erode privacy without proven crime-fighting results.

Residents and activists in at least a dozen municipalities across the United States have resorted to covering Flock surveillance cameras with black trash bags, effectively blinding the devices. The most visible action occurred in Portland, Oregon, where community members in late 2024 wrapped four cameras on light poles near a school, sparking a national conversation about surveillance overreach. The city council had already voted to remove the cameras, but the bags became a symbol of grassroots resistance.

The Flock surveillance camera backlash stems from a rapid expansion of ALPR technology. Founded in 2017, Flock Safety has installed over 250,000 cameras in 4,000+ communities, often contracting directly with neighborhood associations or police departments. The cameras capture license plate data and vehicle characteristics, storing them for up to 30 days. While company proponents argue they help solve car thefts and violent crimes, privacy advocates point to studies showing minimal evidence of overall crime reduction and potential misuse for mass surveillance.

Key details: In Berkeley, California, the city council voted in November 2024 to terminate its contract with Flock after a year-long pilot program produced mixed results. Meanwhile, in Kansas City, Missouri, residents filed a class-action lawsuit alleging that Flock cameras violated their Fourth Amendment rights. In suburban Cincinnati, Ohio, a local activist group called “Stop the Lookers” used trash bags to cover five cameras, later raising funds to purchase their own removal tools. Flock Safety has responded by offering to replace covered cameras with “decorative sleeves” that make the devices less conspicuous—a move critics call a PR stunt.

Analysis: The trash-bag treatment represents a broader shift in how communities resist surveillance. Unlike digital protests or policy debates, this low-tech tactic is accessible to anyone, requires no technical expertise, and creates an immediate, visible impact. Observers note that it forces cities and police departments to confront the issue directly, often leading to public hearings or contract reviews. The tactic has spread through social media, with activists sharing how-to guides for covering cameras without damaging them, thus avoiding vandalism charges.

Outlook: The trend shows no signs of slowing. In January 2025, the City of New Orleans announced a moratorium on new Flock installations while it reviews privacy policies. Several state legislatures, including Washington and Maine, are considering bills to restrict ALPR data retention and require warrants for searches. Flock Safety, valued at over $4 billion, will likely face increasing pressure to prove its effectiveness. The trash bag may remain a simple but potent symbol of the fight between public safety and privacy.