Texas Sheriff Used Flock ALPR in Abortion Investigation
12 days ago
- #abortion-rights
- #privacy
- #surveillance
- Texas deputies used Flock Safety's ALPR data in an abortion investigation, contradicting claims it was a missing person case.
- Documents reveal the investigation was labeled a 'death investigation' of a 'non-viable fetus,' with evidence collected on a self-managed abortion.
- Johnson County Sheriff and Flock Safety denied the abortion-related search, calling media reports 'false' and 'clickbait.'
- The DA's office confirmed no charges could be filed against the woman under Texas law for self-managing an abortion.
- The case highlights risks of ALPR data sharing across state lines, potentially violating laws in Washington and Illinois.
- Anti-abortion advocates are using 'fetal homicide' laws to criminalize abortion and pregnancy loss, with 412 related cases post-Dobbs.
- The woman's partner, who reported her, was later charged with domestic violence against her.
- Flock Safety's ALPR searches spanned 83,000 cameras, raising concerns about unchecked surveillance and privacy violations.
- Government officials in Illinois, California, and Congress are taking action to investigate and restrict ALPR misuse.
- Flock Safety's proposed safeguards are criticized as ineffective, with the core system remaining unchanged.