The photo captures what happens when citizens challenge the status quo, question the process, and demand accountability. This article describes how a handful of vocal residents disrupted the existence of a Flock surveillance system they initially knew nothing about—and, once they understood it, firmly opposed.
Residents in the South Lake area first learned about Flock automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and their surveillance capabilities in fall 2025. Since then, nearly 4,000 readers have turned to SCA articles detailing how the system works, its touted law enforcement benefits, and the more opaque ways some agencies use it to track citizens. For many, it drove home a simple realization: They were being monitored while simply driving on city streets.
What really mattered was what people did with that knowledge. Residents made it clear to elected leaders they opposed Flock. In response, the Shorewood City Council held a series of meetings, pressing both a Flock representative and a South Lake police officer for specifics on how the system tracks people in their cars—who, what, and when. The answers raised more questions than they resolved, deepening concern among council members. As a result, the camera at Hwy 19 and Smithtown Road has been “put in the bag” (with some duct tape) pending further data. Council members said resident input, combined with their own doubts, made the decision to deactivate—by covering—the camera the right one.
Council member Nat Gorham supported immediately disabling the camera, emphasizing that placement is a privilege granted to Flock—not a right—and residents appear to agree.
Not a “one-off:” An example of locations with recent actions or ongoing removals:
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NOTE: Tonka Bay has Flock surveillance on its meeting agenda Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:00 pm.
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Read:
Mar. 9, 2026 Council Meeting Summary
Flock Surveillance Cameras: What You Should Know
Flock in the news
Concerns about Flock Cameras
