Flock cameras have been a topic of controversy due to privacy concerns, with many opposing their existence in the first place.
Now, two Flock cameras have caught fire in Albany, Georgia, and an investigation has led the Dougherty County Police to rule out a battery malfunction.
Some news outlets claimed that the cameras exploded, and footage from the scene shows the melted remains of the surveillance devices.
Investigators have urged anyone with information to come forward and assist the department with its investigation.
Preliminary Investigation Suggested the Battery Packs Caught Fire
The incident came to light after the Dougherty County Police Department posted about it on Facebook on July 22.
Police revealed that the cameras were placed on 2416 Radium Springs Road and at the intersection of Williamsburg Drive and Radium Springs Road.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the battery packs on the cameras may have caught fire. The post read:
“As part of the preliminary investigation, investigators believe the fires may have originated in the camera battery packs; however, the exact cause has not been determined. Authorities are investigating whether the incidents were the result of a battery malfunction, intentional criminal activity or another cause.
“The information available at this time is preliminary, and the investigation remains active.”
Police Confirm Case of Criminal Damage
It is difficult to believe that two Flock cameras would catch fire on the same road and at the same time due to equipment failure. The Dougherty County Police posted an update on the following day, stating that it was not an equipment failure that led to the fires, but a criminal act. It read:
“Based on evidence developed during the investigation, investigators have determined the incidents were not the result of a battery malfunction or equipment failure. The case has now been reclassified as a criminal investigation involving criminal damage to property.”
Eyewitnesses or anyone with more information about the crime have been urged to contact the police. The post added:
“Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance. Anyone with information about either incident is encouraged to contact the Dougherty County Police Department at 229-430-6600 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 229-436-TIPS (8477).”
Flock Safety’s cameras have become increasingly common across the U.S., but they have also become targets of vandalism from those who oppose surveillance technology. However, it remains to be seen if the two Flock cameras in question were set on fire due to similar concerns.
LAPD Decides Against Continuing Agreement with Flock Safety
In other news about Flock cameras, Guessing Headlights recently reported how the Los Angeles Police Department has decided not to extend the three-year contract that began in 2023 with Flock Safety, citing concerns over data sharing and privacy.
Police said the cameras helped track suspects by capturing images of vehicles and their license plates. Addressing the point about data, the LAPD confirmed that the cameras were audited for compliance. Data was stored for seven to thirty days before being deleted.
Citing residents’ concerns about how data collected by the Flock system was being used, with many claiming the technology violates privacy rights, the LAPD decided not to extend the contract. Dean Gialamas, LAPD’s chief information officer, said:
“This contract is not being renewed because of serious concerns around civil liberties and civil rights issues, particularly around privacy and the data that is being collected from these cameras.
“The LAPD had to make a difficult decision, in this case discontinuing using Flock services until we can get those data, privacy, security, and sharing concerns ironed out through a contractual relationship.”
The police department’s statement suggests it has not shut the door on Flock yet, offering the company a chance to address data privacy concerns before the parties can join hands again.
Discussions about the agreement with Flock Safety have been ongoing, and the police want to address points regarding privacy and data storage in a new contract.