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Flock CEO claims microphones only detect gunshots, contradicting information on official website. October 14, 2026 2 min. read Summary of the announcement. Flock Safety has introduced a new product, the Gunshot Detection system, designed to identify gunfire and other ambient noises in residential areas. During a presentation at TechCrunch Disrupt, CEO Garrett Langley clarified that the system is primarily focused on detecting gunshots, although its platform has the capacity to recognize additional sounds like car crashes, fireworks, and even signs of potential street takeovers. Despite its promotional claims, the initial rollout of the Gunshot Detection feature encountered criticism for its previous aim to detect sounds of "screaming," prompting privacy advocates to voice their concerns. In response, Flock modified its messaging, now opting for the less controversial term "sounds of human distress." Furthermore, the company has since removed the ability to detect such distress signals based on user feedback, opting to devote attention solely to gunshot detection. Why it matters. The introduction of Flock's Gunshot Detection technology underscores a growing trend in public safety innovation within the surveillance and security sectors. This move reflects an overarching shift toward more intelligent and proactive approaches to crime prevention, particularly in urban settings where gun violence can be prevalent. By equipping neighborhoods with advanced audio recognition systems, the potential exists for quicker response times from law enforcement and emergency services, thereby enhancing community safety standards. Moreover, the technology's capacity to extend beyond gunshot detection suggests a more comprehensive approach to urban safety challenges. As cities grapple with various forms of public disturbances, including street racing and violence, the ability to identify such events in real-time may fundamentally alter how communities respond to crises. This advancement has the potential to reshape public policy and operational protocols in emergency response frameworks. Impact on residents, businesses, or visitors. For residents and local businesses, Flock's Gunshot Detection system promises a more responsive environment. The enhancement of public safety measures aided by technology can lead to increased community trust and a feeling of security among citizens. Holidaymakers may benefit from this enhanced safety, as the presence of such technology aims to mitigate risks associated with gun violence and other disruptions, thus improving the overall tourist experience. Local businesses, particularly those operating in vulnerable areas, may find themselves reassured by the prompt alerts provided by this technology, potentially saving lives and reducing damages caused by related incidents. Additionally, as emergency services leverage this technology, response times are expected to improve, leading to better outcomes in crisis situations. Municipality affected. This deployment of Flock's Gunshot Detection technology is set to impact communities across All Municipalities / Archipelago-wide in the Canary Islands. By integrating advanced surveillance into public safety strategies, local governments may be better equipped to respond to incidents of gunfire and other disturbances, benefitting the entire population across various urban areas. Related projects or previous developments. Historically, the use of acoustic detection technologies in public safety has garnered a mixed response, with previous efforts by companies like ShotSpotter facing scrutiny as well. While ShotSpotter has been established in numerous municipalities with more than 25,000 microphones across the U.S., Flock's approach parallels this initiative but proposes a more accessible solution for neighborhoods. The ongoing dialogue surrounding these technologies emphasizes the balancing act of enhancing safety while addressing legitimate concerns related to privacy and ethical surveillance practices. Internal links. [placeholder_internal_links] SEO Title and metadata. SEO Title: Flock Launches Advanced Gunshot Detection System Meta Description: Discover Flock's new technology for gunshot detection, enhancing safety across the Canary Islands. Learn how it impacts local communities and businesses!

Penn State set to remove Flock cameras, does not rule out 'replacement system' October 14, 2026 2:07 PM Gift Article Key Takeaways AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Penn State has decided not to renew its one-year contract with Flock Safety, whom the ACLU has accused of building a "nationwide mass surveillance system." But Flock critics' relief could still be short-lived. Based on a written statement from University Police and Public Safety (UPPS), the reason for the agreement's end has more to do with cost than the ACLU's argument the cameras amount to a "major civil liberties threat." UPPS didn't rule out eventually working with similar tools or systems. "After reviewing the system's cost, return on investment and operational value, the department determined that it would not renew its now expired initial one-year contract with Flock Safety for stationary automatic license plate reader cameras at select campus perimeter locations," UPPS public information officer Jacqueline Sheader told the CDT in an email. "UPPS remains committed to using public safety technology responsibly and in alignment with University policies and applicable laws. "The department will continue to research and assess tools that may provide similar operational capabilities in a more cost-effective manner and no decisions for a replacement system have been made." Since August 2025 Flock's automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras - installed around the University Park campus - have recorded every passing vehicle, capturing license plates and vehicle images before storing them in a searchable database. Flock cameras have been spotted on North Atherton Street, Park Avenue, University Drive, etc. Although the cameras were installed on Penn State property, their positioning often captures motorists who do not even step foot on the actual campus. State College Borough was not consulted on the cameras - it was not required to be - and a borough spokesperson told the CDT in the spring it had no position on their installation. According to WPSU, which cited information from a faculty senate meeting Tuesday, those cameras are "currently" being removed from campus. The university previously declined to reveal the location or number of Flock cameras, citing security concerns. But an unofficial website dedicated to mapping out the cameras across the U.S. - Maps.DeFlock.org - showed more than 20 cameras around University Park. Outside of the university, the only other known entity that has installed Flock cameras in Centre County is Lowe's on Valley Vista Drive. It has two near the parking lot entrances, which the company explained is for theft prevention and customer safety. State College Borough has operated downtown cameras for at least two decades, but they are part of an internal system that does not have an external searchable database. What's the controversy? Flock's searchable database has proved to be a rallying point for critics of ALPR cameras. Law enforcement in Texas has been accused of using the database to track down a person seeking abortion care in another state. A Florida officer is alleged to have used Flock to stalk his ex-girlfriend by searching the database for her license plate more than 60 times. And Flock's database has been accused of repeatedly being used for immigration enforcement. Flock has also been accused of misidentifying vehicles, leading to innocent people spending time in jail. Lindsey Isaacs, of Florida, spent 13 days in jail on eight felony counts after a Flock camera mistakenly linked her black Dodge Durango to a fatal hit-and-run involving a maroon Dodge Durango. She tearfully testified in front of a senate judiciary panel last month, where she said she was "terrified." Supporters say the crime-solving benefits outweigh the risks, with much of the harshest criticism reserved for misuse of the technology. A police chief in the central California city of Lompoc recently defended Flock's system by pointing out it helped recover 76 stolen vehicles and resulted in 54 arrests. Politics & looking ahead. Flock isn't the only company that installs and operates ALPR cameras, but it is the largest and most visible. Similar companies include - but are not limited to - Axon, ELSAG, Genetec, Innova Systems, Jenoptik, Perceptics, PlateSmart, Rekor and Vigilant Solutions. And Penn State has not ruled out working with those companies in the future. Centre County's candidates for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives have largely come out against such cameras, or at least how they currently handle privacy, irrespective of political affiliation. It's not known if that might impact the university's future plans. Michelle Schellberg, a Republican who's running against incumbent Scott Conklin in House District 77, previously told the CDT, "Public safety matters, but so do privacy and constitutional protections." Added Conklin: "Without adequate regulations, there is no accountability for these corporations in terms of how they use data obtained or how properly their equipment functions. These issues alone pose a greater safety risk to both the police and the public at large." Those sentiments were echoed by candidates in House Districts 82 and 171. "While Flock cameras and automated license plate readers have a role in our overall law enforcement portfolio, we need to balance their public safety benefits with privacy concerns," state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte, told the CDT. CDT intern reporter Mia Debelevich contributed to this report October 1, 2026 3:40 PM Centre Daily Times Josh Moyer earned his B.A. in journalism from Penn State and his M.S. from Columbia. He's been involved in sports and news writing for more than 20 years. He counts the best athlete he's ever seen as Tecmo Super Bowl's Bo Jackson.