22 Investigates Digging deeper into what Flock cameras are capturing [XGFbs4hH5k3]
Are you being watched? It’s a question more people are asking as surveillance becomes more and more a part of your everyday life. From smartphones and social media to doorbell cameras and security systems, our movements and personal data are constantly being tracked. But what about the eyes in the sky? 22 Investigates, Flock cameras. WSBT 22's Francesca Onofrio is digging into whether they're making communities safer or are a system of mass surveillance. It's possible you have driven past thousands of these cameras while on the road, not even realizing they're there. But these tiny cameras have many people worried about just what type of information is being captured and who has access to it. Automated License plate readers or ALPRs capture license plate images, vehicle characteristics, date and time stamps, and camera location identifiers. According to Flock, a manufacturer that supplies much of South Bend with ALPRs, that is all they capture. But some are worried that it captures more. "They're also tracking everywhere you've been. So, they're able to track dents and scratches on your car, the make-and-model of your car, bumper stickers. So, through that kind of information, they can figure out exactly where you've been, the church you attend, the protests you go to," said Walker Lasbury, Eyes Off Indiana. According to the South Bend Police Department, they have 45 active Flock cameras within city limits. They use them to track vehicles connected to a suspected crime. According to the SBPD transparency hub, in the first four months of 2026, ALPRs have helped provide information for 37 cases. Including three homicide cases and 10 car thefts. "This is not even flock, but it's any other vendor as well. There's a notification. It's an alert. So, saying, hey, at this particular location, this vehicle passed by at this camera traveling this direction, alerted officers. And it's up to us to confirm that if it is still stolen, if it's still related to, let's say, a missing person case, et cetera, to do that," said Captain Kyle Dombrowski, SBPD. Currently, police do not need a warrant to track a license plate which raises concerns that it violates the 4th Amendment, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. "We think it should be mandatory that you know exactly where your data is going, who it's getting shared with, and what exactly they know about you. That kind of transparency is what brings communities and law enforcement closer together," said Lasbury. ALPR data is kept for only 30 days after capture at the South Bend Police Department. The city responded this Thursday to the open records request. They said, "The City of South Bend's Police Department does not have any records responsive to your request." This is standard practice for data retention with Flock cameras. And not everyone can access the cameras. "So, anytime you do a search, let's say for a license plate reader or LPR camera, you have to first select an offense type. So, what am I investigating? Whether it's real-time, or if it's something for a follow-up or an investigation into a criminal activity. But you also have to give a reason," said Dombrowski. To ensure transparency and negate misuse, the South Bend Police Department said they audit and track the use of each search. This is all to maintain integrity and ensure no one is abusing that system. WSBT filed an open records request on April 11th of this year, asking for “...records of any complaints, internal investigations, or disciplinary actions related to the use or misuse of Flock Safety license plate reader systems by the South Bend Police Department from November 1, 2025, to present." South Bend Police say these cameras are meant to be a tool to solve crimes. Privacy advocates argue that stronger protections and transparency are still needed. _________________ Stay up to date by following our social media: WSBT 22 on Facebook: WSBT 22 on X: WSBT 22 on Instagram: For more information, visit Have a news tip? Send it directly to our newsroom: [email protected] WSBT is an IN based station and a CBS Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. Sinclair owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to 163 television stations in 77 markets, after pending transactions. Sinclair's television group reaches approximately 38.7% of US television households and includes FOX, ABC, MyTV, CW, CBS, NBC, Univision and Azteca affiliates.