Flock Safety
Flock Safety is an Atlanta-based American technology company founded in 2017 by Garrett Langley and Matt Feury, specializing in automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras and integrated public safety platforms designed to capture vehicle data for crime prevention and investigation.[1][2] The company's core products include solar-powered LPR devices that read license plates, make, model, and color, which the company claims does not constitute personally identifiable information (PII), though critics argue that license plate data qualifies as PII since it can be readily linked to vehicle owners through public DMV records, alongside expansions into AI-powered video analytics, gunshot detection, and mobile surveillance units, serving over 5,000 communities and law enforcement agencies nationwide.[3][4][5] Flock Safety's technology operates on a cloud-based system where data is retained for only 30 days and is accessible solely to authorized users, with the company emphasizing objective evidence collection to eliminate crime while claiming compliance with Fourth Amendment standards through vehicle tracking that the company claims is akin to public observation, though critics argue its scale and persistence enable mass surveillance beyond human observational limits.[6] Achievements include rapid growth to a $7.5 billion valuation following a $275 million funding round in March 2025, led by Andreessen Horowitz, enabling manufacturing expansion and R&D into advanced features like real-time alerts and integrated ecosystems with partners such as Amazon Ring.[7][8] The company has encountered controversies centered on privacy and surveillance overreach, with critics from civil liberties organizations arguing that mass ALPR deployment enables warrantless tracking and potential misuse for non-criminal purposes, prompting lawsuits and policy debates in various jurisdictions, though empirical evidence from deployments shows correlations with increased crime clearance rates.[6][5] Flock Safety counters these concerns by highlighting data minimization practices, lack of facial recognition, and voluntary opt-in models for private users, positioning its systems as tools for proactive safety rather than pervasive monitoring.[6]History
Founding and Initial Development
Flock Safety was founded in 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia, by Garrett Langley, Matt Feury, and Paige Todd, all alumni of the Georgia Institute of Technology.[9][10] The company's origins trace to Langley's personal experience as a victim of property crime, during which local police lacked sufficient leads to investigate effectively, prompting him to develop technology enabling faster crime resolution through automated vehicle identification.[11] Langley, an electrical engineer and serial entrepreneur with prior technology ventures, led the effort without initial expertise in law enforcement tools, focusing instead on leveraging AI for public safety.[9][12] The initial product was a solar-powered camera system designed to capture license plates and vehicle characteristics using license plate recognition (LPR) technology, emphasizing data minimization by retaining only metadata—such as timestamps, locations, and make/model—while deleting images within 30 days to mitigate privacy risks.[11] Early development prioritized deployment in residential neighborhoods and HOAs, allowing subscribers to alert authorities to suspicious vehicles via a shared database accessible to law enforcement.[2] In its first year, Flock Safety secured seed funding from Y Combinator and raised over $20 million from investors including Matrix Partners and Founders Fund, enabling prototype testing and initial installations in Atlanta-area communities.[13] By 2018, the company had refined its hardware to operate off-grid with low maintenance, integrating AI for accurate reads under varying conditions, and began expanding pilots to demonstrate utility in property crime investigations, where traditional methods often stalled due to absent witness descriptions.[11] This phase established Flock's core model of subscription-based services, distinguishing it from permanent surveillance by positioning cameras as temporary, targeted tools responsive to community needs rather than blanket monitoring.[2]Expansion and Key Milestones
Flock Safety's expansion accelerated following its initial deployment in Atlanta-area homeowners associations, shifting focus to broader law enforcement partnerships by 2020, when it secured contracts with numerous agencies amid rising demand for automated license plate recognition tools.[14] By early 2023, the company had grown to serve over 2,500 communities across 42 U.S. states, encompassing more than 2,000 law enforcement agencies and capturing approximately 1 billion license plate reads monthly, having achieved unicorn status in July 2021.[11][15] Key funding milestones underscored this scaling. In February 2022, Flock raised $150 million in a Series E round led by Tiger Global, achieving a $3.5 billion valuation and enabling nationwide rollout.[11] Revenue surged 2,660% over the three years ending in 2023, positioning it as one of Atlanta's fastest-growing companies.[16] The company reached $300 million in revenue for 2024, reflecting 70% year-over-year growth.[10] In 2025, Flock announced a $275 million raise on March 13, led by Andreessen Horowitz, boosting its valuation to $7.5 billion and funding a new U.S. manufacturing plant, R&D expansion, and product innovation.[8] This followed the April 2 opening of a 97,000-square-foot facility in Georgia, projected to reach full operations by 2027 and create jobs.[17] On January 10, the firm expanded into private-sector security, targeting businesses and multifamily properties after dominating public-sector deployments.[18] These developments extended its footprint toward near-national coverage in 49 states, with cumulative funding exceeding $650 million across eight rounds.[19]Recent Developments and Funding
In March 2025, Flock Safety raised $275 million in a funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz, achieving a post-money valuation of $7.5 billion.[8] [20] The round included participation from Greenoaks Capital, Bedrock Capital, Meritech Capital, Matrix Partners, Sands Capital, Founders Fund, Kleiner Perkins, Tiger Global, and Y Combinator, with proceeds allocated toward research and development, product innovation, and establishing a U.S.-based manufacturing plant for surveillance hardware.[7] [21] This brought the company's total funding to approximately $658 million across multiple rounds since its founding.[19] The funding supported accelerated expansion into drone technology, including the acquisition of Aerodome and obtaining FAA approvals for U.S.-manufactured drones aimed at public safety applications.[22] In February 2025, Flock acquired Lucidus, a Nashville-based startup, to enhance its Nova AI platform for investigative tools.[23] By mid-2025, the company reported 2024 revenue of $300 million, reflecting 70% year-over-year growth, and earned recognition on the CNBC Disruptor 50 list.[10] Partnership announcements in 2025 included a July collaboration with Motorola Public Safety (MPS) to integrate Flock's license plate recognition cameras into MPS systems for communities and campuses.[24] In June, Flock launched the Thriving Cities Fund with Homegrown, committing resources to support new business locations in U.S. cities as part of broader public safety initiatives.[25] October partnerships extended to Blue Eye for remote video monitoring alerts and Ring for integrating Community Requests into FlockOS and Nova platforms, enabling residents to share footage with law enforcement.[26] [27] These efforts positioned Flock for drone sales to retailers and further AI evolution in surveillance.[28]Products and Technology
License Plate Recognition Systems
Flock Safety's license plate recognition (LPR) systems, known as Flock cameras, consist of solar-powered, AI-enabled devices designed to capture high-resolution images of vehicle license plates, make, model, color, and distinguishing features such as stickers or damage as vehicles pass by designated locations.[4] These cameras employ optical character recognition (OCR) software combined with machine learning algorithms to process images in real time, extracting structured data that is uploaded to a cloud-based nationwide network searchable by law enforcement for investigations, with data retained for 30 days before automatic deletion unless flagged.[4] Unlike conventional surveillance cameras that primarily record video footage, Flock LPRs prioritize generating searchable data over continuous video storage, though optional short video clips can be integrated.[4] The systems operate by detecting motion to trigger image capture, focusing primarily on the rear of vehicles for optimal plate readability, with data transmitted via end-to-end encryption to a secure cloud platform for analysis and storage.[29] Law enforcement users can access this database to run searches against hotlists, including stolen vehicles, wanted suspects, or Amber Alert entries, triggering immediate alerts when matches occur.[30] Flock cameras do not incorporate facial recognition or capture images of vehicle occupants, limiting data collection to external vehicle attributes to address privacy concerns while supporting investigative leads.[31] Access is restricted to authorized personnel via role-based permissions.[32] Integration with broader networks allows Flock LPRs to form interconnected grids across jurisdictions, enhancing traceability of vehicle movements over time and geography without relying on fixed traffic cameras.[33] Deployed in over 6,000 U.S. communities across 49 states as of 2025, the technology's accuracy stems from AI models trained on vast datasets, reportedly achieving high read rates even under varying lighting and weather conditions, though performance can vary based on installation angles and environmental factors.[4] Deployment typically occurs in public rights-of-way, such as intersections or neighborhood entrances, with cameras self-sufficient due to solar power and wireless connectivity, minimizing infrastructure needs.[34]Video and AI-Enhanced Surveillance
Flock Safety offers AI-enhanced video surveillance systems designed to complement its license plate recognition technology, providing live and recorded footage for public safety applications. These include PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) and fixed video cameras deployable in areas without existing infrastructure, such as parks, parking lots, and intersections.[35] The systems support cloud-based access for instant search, sharing, and analysis, with a subscription model that encompasses installation, maintenance, and upgrades.[35] Partnerships, such as with Amazon's Ring, enable sharing of community-submitted video footage to assist investigations.[36] A flagship product is the solar-powered Condor PTZ camera, introduced in May 2024, which enables rapid deployment without AC power requirements and incorporates 30x greater computing power than prior models for advanced processing.[37] Condor units capture live and recorded video, integrate license plate recognition and audio detection, and deliver AI-driven alerts for suspect vehicles or unauthorized gatherings, facilitating real-time responses and post-incident investigations.[37] PTZ controls allow remote zooming and tracking, while fixed cameras provide digital zoom for targeted monitoring of buildings and streets.[35] AI enhancements include Guardian Mode, launched in August 2024 for Condor PTZ cameras, which automatically detects and tracks individuals and vehicles, automatically zooming to capture high-resolution footage around the clock without human operators.[38] People Detection Alerts notify users via email, SMS, or mobile app when persons enter restricted areas during off-hours, reducing staffing needs for continuous coverage.[38] Additional analytics feature Vehicle Fingerprint technology for identifying vehicles via unique attributes beyond plates, enabling searches of video events tied to investigative leads.[35] For investigative efficiency, Flock integrates video with tools like FreeForm, an AI-powered search introduced in February 2025, allowing natural-language queries such as "blue SUV with racing stripe" to sift through footage and reduce manual review time.[39] Flock Nova unifies video data with other sources for insights like plate swaps across vehicles or multi-state detections, available via enhanced packages as of March 2025.[39] These capabilities link seamlessly with Flock's broader ecosystem, including LPR cameras, gunshot detection, and drones, to correlate video evidence with real-time alerts.[35]Drone and Autonomous Systems
Flock Safety entered the drone market through its acquisition of Aerodome, a drone technology firm, on October 17, 2024, aiming to integrate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into its public safety ecosystem for enhanced real-time response capabilities.[40] This move built on Aerodome's existing Drone as First Responder (DFR) systems, which Flock rebranded and expanded to support automated aerial surveillance tied to license plate recognition (LPR) networks and other sensors.[28] The core offering, Flock DFR, deploys drones from automated docking stations in response to emergency calls, such as 911 alerts, providing live high-definition and thermal video feeds to first responders.[41] These systems feature NDAA-compliant, U.S.-manufactured drones capable of reaching speeds up to 60 mph, with advanced sensors that can capture license plates from altitudes of 2,000 feet.[42] Integration with Flock's broader platform allows drones to launch autonomously upon detection of incidents via gunshot sensors or LPR triggers, reducing response times by delivering overhead situational awareness without risking officer safety.[43] In September 2025, Flock Safety launched Flock Aerodome, an extension of DFR technology tailored for private sector automated security, enabling one-click drone deployment from alarm-linked "drone-in-a-box" stations.[44] The system autonomously navigates to predefined incident coordinates, streaming video for threat verification and coordination with ground security, with battery-swapping docks supporting extended operations and minimal downtime.[45] This expansion targets commercial applications, such as retail environments, where drones could pursue suspects like shoplifters, though deployment remains operator-initiated for compliance with aviation regulations.[46] Flock Safety introduced the Alpha drone model on October 16, 2025, as its inaugural fully American-made UAV optimized for emergency response, emphasizing regulatory compliance and interoperability with existing FlockOS software for seamless data fusion across aerial, video, and LPR feeds.[47] While these autonomous features promise faster incident resolution—such as Elk Grove Police Department's reported use for real-time suspect tracking—independent assessments note potential limitations in adverse weather and reliance on clear line-of-sight for effective plate recognition from the air.[48][49]Additional Detection Tools
Flock Safety provides acoustic sensors designed to detect gunshots and other disruptive sounds in real time, supplementing its primary vehicle-focused surveillance systems.[50] These always-on sensors identify events such as gunfire, breaking glass, fireworks, sideshows, and community disturbances, generating verified alerts with contextual data to support rapid law enforcement response.[3] The system filters ambient noise to minimize false positives and localizes incidents for precise deployment, claiming to uncover 30% more gunfire incidents compared to traditional methods.[50] Integration with Flock's broader platform allows audio detections to sync with license plate reader data and video footage, enabling automated camera activation upon sound triggers like glass shattering or tire screeching.[51] Deployed flexibly across urban, neighborhood, and rural areas, the sensors support policy-based alert rules, event logging, tamper detection, and public dashboards for transparency.[50] Initial testing of these acoustic components began as early as 2021, with expanded capabilities including human voice tracking introduced in a new system on October 3, 2025.[51][52] Beyond core audio detection, Flock Safety's ecosystem incorporates mobile security trailers equipped with sensors for temporary video and environmental monitoring, though these primarily extend visual coverage rather than introduce novel detection modalities.[3] The company's acoustic tools emphasize hardware-software synergy via FlockOS, unifying sensor inputs for real-time collaboration in real-time crime centers, without reliance on additional hardware types like thermal or motion-specific detectors independent of video integration.[53] Efficacy claims, such as reduced response times, derive from controlled deployments like the Lafayette Police Department's 2024 pilot, which integrated sensors into existing networks after four months of evaluation.[54]Business Model
Operational Structure and Revenue
Flock Safety functions as a hardware-enabled software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider, delivering automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras, AI-driven analytics, and cloud-based software through a subscription model often described as "public safety-as-a-service."[55][11] The company deploys solar-powered cameras at customer sites—such as residential neighborhoods, commercial properties, and law enforcement jurisdictions—under leasing arrangements where Flock handles installation, maintenance, and hardware upgrades as part of the service.[56][57] Pricing varies based on the number of sensors, software features, and deployment scale, with customers typically paying annual fees per camera to access real-time alerts, data storage, and investigative tools.[58] This structure enables scalability without requiring customers to invest in upfront capital for equipment, while Flock manages operational logistics including device performance and data security compliance.[56] Revenue is primarily generated from recurring subscriptions paid by homeowners' associations, municipalities, businesses, and police departments, with additional streams from expanded product suites like video surveillance integrations.[55] Estimates place Flock Safety's annual recurring revenue (ARR) at $285 million by the end of 2024, reflecting approximately 70% year-over-year growth from $167 million in 2023, driven by network expansion to over 80,000 cameras nationwide.[55] Independent analyses suggest total annual revenue around $334 million as of recent assessments, supported by a customer base exceeding 5,000 entities and operations across thousands of U.S. communities.[59][60] The company's growth has been bolstered by substantial funding, including a $275 million raise in March 2025 at a $7.5 billion valuation, earmarked for manufacturing enhancements and R&D to support increased hardware production and deployment efficiency.[8]Client Base and Partnerships
Flock Safety's client base primarily encompasses law enforcement agencies, homeowners associations (HOAs), neighborhoods, and local governments, with secondary adoption by commercial businesses and educational institutions. As of May 2025, the company serves over 5,000 law enforcement agencies and more than 6,000 communities nationwide, often through contracts that enable shared access to license plate recognition (LPR) data and video surveillance.[61] [62] Examples include the Tulsa Police Department, which achieved a 100% homicide clearance rate in 2024 leveraging Flock's tools for vehicle identification and lead generation, and the Fort Worth Police Department.[63] [64] HOAs and private property owners deploy Flock systems for localized crime deterrence and resident protection, frequently integrating with municipal police for broader investigative support.[65] [11] The company's expansion into commercial sectors includes clients like Academy Sports, where systems aid in theft prevention and recovery. Partnerships with public entities often take the form of public-private collaborations, allowing police to access community-installed cameras without direct municipal procurement, as seen in deployments by cities like Everett, Washington, planning 71 LPR units and PTZ cameras in 2025.[64] [31] [66] Flock Safety maintains an ecosystem of technology partnerships to integrate its LPR and surveillance capabilities with complementary tools. Core collaborators include AWS for cloud infrastructure, Tyler Technologies for public sector software, and Starchase for vehicle pursuit alternatives. In April 2025, Flock partnered with Mark43 to streamline data integration for shared customers, enhancing investigative workflows. Additional alliances encompass ForceMetrics for real-time officer safety analytics, Raptor Technologies for automated school vehicle verification announced in July 2025, and Getac for rugged hardware solutions tailored to law enforcement.[67] [68] [69] A notable October 2025 partnership with Amazon's Ring enables law enforcement agencies using Flock's platform to anonymously request video clips from Ring users during investigations, with users retaining opt-in control over sharing. Flock also launched its Business Network in June 2025 to formalize secure data-sharing among private enterprises, and has teamed with firms like Blue Eye for remote video monitoring, FlyGuys for drone-enhanced response, and 3Si Security for integrated perimeter protection. These integrations aim to extend Flock's reach into schools, businesses, and emergency response without relying solely on government contracts.[70] [71] [26]Efficacy and Public Safety Impact
Empirical Evidence of Crime Reduction
A 2024 study analyzing data from 123 U.S. law enforcement agencies, conducted by Flock Safety in collaboration with Texas Christian University and the University of Texas at Tyler, reported that adding one Flock Safety license plate recognition (LPR) camera per sworn officer correlated with a 9.1% increase in overall crime clearance rates, based on surveys and agency records from April to June 2023. The study further indicated that network effects amplify this impact, with each additional 20 Flock customers within 50 kilometers of an agency associated with a 1% rise in clearance rates.[72] Flock Safety has aggregated self-reported data from adopting agencies to claim their technology contributes to solving 10% of reported U.S. crimes as of 2025, emphasizing its role in vehicle-related investigations like theft recoveries and suspect identifications, and aiding 10% of U.S. criminal investigations overall. In Oakland, California, agency data as of October 2025 attributed an 11% improvement in violent crime clearance rates to Flock LPRs, facilitating resolutions in dozens of cases previously stalled by lack of leads.[73][74][75] Localized deployments have yielded reported declines in specific crime categories, though these rely on pre- and post-installation comparisons without controls for confounding factors, with Flock Safety claiming 60-90% drops in burglaries and thefts in pilot areas. In Cobb County, Georgia, after installing 13 Flock cameras in a high-crime zone in March 2019, robberies and nonresidential burglaries each dropped over 50% in the ensuing six months relative to 2018 baselines, while entering auto thefts decreased from 138 to 50 incidents. In select improvement districts, LPR usage correlated with a 19% reduction in robberies, 37% in commercial burglaries, and 38% in aggravated assaults over monitored periods.[76][77] These outcomes primarily reflect enhanced clearance efficiency rather than proven deterrence of crime incidence, with available evidence drawn from agency partnerships rather than randomized controlled trials. Independent causal assessments remain limited, as most data originate from Flock-affiliated or user-provided metrics.[72]Case Studies and Statistical Outcomes
In San Marino, California, the police department reported a 70% decrease in residential burglaries and a 19% reduction in overall Part 1 crimes following the deployment of Flock Safety cameras.[78] Similarly, in Cobb County, Georgia, Precinct 2 experienced a 64% reduction in entering auto incidents, a 63% drop in non-residential burglaries, and a 40% decrease in robberies, contributing to a 60% overall crime reduction in targeted areas.[78] Other departments documented vehicle-related outcomes: Vacaville, California, saw a 33% decrease in reported vehicle thefts and a 35% increase in related arrests after implementation.[78] In Yakima, Washington, over 69 days, 89 stolen vehicles were recovered, elevating the recovery rate from 55.6% to 78.76% and yielding 8 arrests.[78] Wichita, Kansas, recovered 197 stolen vehicles and 88 stolen plates between November 2020 and May 2021, alongside $1.9 million in vehicle value, 211 arrests, and seizures of 28 guns and over 6 pounds of drugs.[78]| Department | Location | Key Outcome | Time Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Castle Rock PD | Colorado | 25% reduction in auto theft | 2020–2021[78] |
| Dayton PD | Ohio | 46% reduction in violent crime (target area) | 6 months[78] |
| Lexington PD | Kentucky | 57 NCIC stolen vehicles recovered ($861,025 value) | 3 months[78] |