Brookshire council approves agreement with Flock license-plate cameras after privacy questions
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Summary
At its Oct. 16 meeting the Brookshire City Council voted to enter into an agreement with Flock camera systems to install stationary license‑plate readers on major thoroughfares; council members raised privacy concerns and asked about placement and data flow.
The Brookshire City Council voted Oct. 16 to enter into an agreement with Flock Camera Systems to install stationary license‑plate reader cameras on major thoroughfares into and out of Brookshire.
City staff and Police Chief Green told the council the system would be pole‑mounted at major routes such as FM 359 and Highway 90 and could send real‑time alerts when a license plate entered a watchlist. Chief Green said neighboring agencies report improved clearance rates and that the system can deliver “real time information on that vehicle.”
Council discussion focused on where cameras would be placed and how the system collects and stores data. One councilmember said they had researched lawsuits in other jurisdictions and expressed concern about the technology’s growth over time and whether photographic data of drivers might be collected in the future. Chief Green responded that the department would not rely solely on license‑plate reads and that additional evidence would be required before action.
Council members also discussed potential grant funding to extend the system if initial installations prove useful. The council approved a motion to enter into the agreement; the vote was taken by voice and the motion passed.
Next steps include finalizing site locations and confirming funding source; staff said the system would be paid from restricted police‑department funds.