Harlingen approves Flock Safety mobile trailer pilot but asks city attorney to review data controls and recurring costs

The Harlingen City Commission voted to approve a Flock Safety mobile security trailer and associated license-plate reader (LPR) units subject to review and approval by the city attorney after commissioners raised questions about recurring costs and control of data.

Deputy Chief Kas described the system’s capabilities — a towable trailer with two cameras, an automated license‑plate reader network and a voice/lighting alert system — and confirmed the city would lease, rather than immediately own, much of the hardware under the proposed master service agreement. The police department has a one‑year funding plan for the initial grant year but acknowledged recurring annual costs that could be around $67,000 in future years unless the budget is adjusted.

The central concern raised by commissioners and residents was data control and privacy. “It looks like we’re in control of that data and then we’re able to, uh, say who we’re going to disseminate,” said Deputy Chief Kas while explaining the master service agreement. Commissioners asked the city attorney to review the linked master service agreement and confirm that Flock would not retain or misuse information or give it to third parties without city authorization.

The commission approved the pilot on a motion conditioned on legal review and requested staff provide clarity on ongoing operating costs and funding options before final contractual signature. The commission also requested clear rules about which agencies (local or state) could access any data and under what circumstances.

Next steps: City attorney will review the master service agreement and advise on data-control clauses; the police chief will return with a plan for covering recurring operational costs and proposed access rules.