Locations Of All Flock Cameras In Northern Minnesota
Automatic license plate readers are a newer technology that is being used for surveillance more and more each day. These APLRs scan license plates and take pictures and digital information of vehicles passing by. They're used primarily by law enforcement to help solve crimes and gather objective evidence needed for police investigations.
What Flock Cameras Are Used For
Authorities say it's a proven method to prevent, detect, and solve crimes. However, some people believe it's a violation of their privacy. The controversy has resulted in some cities and communities banning the installation of APLRs.
The most common APLRs being used are Flock Cameras. These cameras are powered by AI and capture and analyze every passing vehicle. They store information like the location, date, and time of the image. They will even capture details like the make, model, and color of the car. It can even identify damage to a car, like dents! It can even read your bumper sticker.
Opponents of automatic license plate readers have fought back, sharing locations of Flock cameras. Metro areas have more Flock cameras than rural areas, but I was surprised to see how remote some of these Flock cameras are. Some are in the middle of nowhere in Northern Minnesota.
Hundreds Of Flock Cameras In Northern Minnesota
There are over 250 Flock Cameras in Northern Minnesota, from Fargo to Duluth, in cities like Detroit Lakes, Park Rapids, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Virginia, and countless more on rural roads.
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DeFlock is an organization that offers a surveillance map of the APLRs and Flock Cameras. Users can submit locations of newly installed Flock Cameras. It's all public record as required by law. This handy map shows you every Flock Camera near you.
How People Are Removing Flock Cameras From Their Communities
Some people have taken matters into their own hands and destroyed or removed Flock cameras. This is illegal and can result in hefty fines and imprisonment.
DeFlock says to raise awareness and petition your local governments. The effective strategy is to "raise awareness, build a group of advocates, and petition the city council not to extend the contract."
Flock Camera Locations In St. Louis County
Gallery Credit: Ken Hayes
