Dallas has become the largest US city yet to scale back its Flock camera network, with police set to stop using 321 automated number-plate readers from September 15.
The move follows the loss of state grant funding for the devices and comes as Dallas City Council member Adam Bazaldua seeks to end the city’s wider contract with Flock Safety.
Dallas police said more than 300 cameras would remain in operation, describing the technology as an important investigative tool. The department said it would continue reviewing its available resources and technology to support investigations and public safety.
Mr Bazaldua is due to propose a budget amendment removing $1.5 million in city funding for the programme. He has suggested directing $1 million towards infrastructure, including pavements and street lighting, and the remaining $500,000 towards eviction advocacy services.
“We’ve been willing to try new technology to keep Dallas safer. Flock cameras were one of those tools,” he said in a social media post. “But, being willing to try something new also means being willing to admit when it’s not working.”
The council member previously told NBC 5 that withdrawing the funding would “essentially terminate the contract”. The council is expected to consider the proposal during a meeting on Wednesday, September 2, as part of discussions on Dallas’s 2026-27 and 2027-28 budget.
The city approved a three-year agreement worth about $5.7 million with Flock Safety in May 2025. The network includes hundreds of stationary cameras that record vehicle number plates and other identifying details, allowing officers to search for vehicles linked to investigations.
Dallas police have defended the system, saying it has helped solve 12 homicides this year and contributed to the resolution of 13 per cent of business robbery cases. The department has also said the cameras can assist in finding missing people and locating suspects.
Flock Safety has faced growing criticism over privacy, oversight and alleged misuse of its technology. The company said it supported stronger safeguards to ensure its systems were used responsibly while preserving law enforcement’s ability to investigate crime.
The dispute intensified after Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to pause funding for Flock cameras. Dallas police said they had not yet received full guidance on how the decision would affect existing grants, equipment already purchased or future spending.
