Harris County Renews License Plate Reader Contract After Privacy Questions

Harris County commissioners have renewed a nearly $869,000 public safety technology contract with Flock Group Inc., extending the county’s use of a license plate reader and sound detection system for another year after residents raised concerns about surveillance, data security and outside law enforcement access.

According to the county's May 28 Business Court agenda, the agreement covers June 6, 2026, through June 5, 2027, at a cost of $868,975.

Residents urged commissioners not to renew the agreement, citing concerns about vehicle-tracking technology, privacy controls and potential access by outside agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Maj. Anthony McConnell of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office told commissioners the Flock system captures vehicle images but does not run registered owner information, which he said comes from a separate law enforcement database. He also said the only federal law enforcement office he knew had Flock was the Postal Police.

Though Flock Safety doesn't have a contract with ICE, federal immigration officials can work with local agencies to search Flock data.

Commissioners discussed whether the agreement could be changed after renewal. A county purchasing representative said the county could seek an amendment if the vendor agreed and commissioners said the matter could be brought back later.

Commissioner Lesley Briones said the renewal involved existing technology, including county cameras and homeowners association cameras, and commissioners cited public safety uses for the system. Commissioners approved the renewal by a 4-0 vote, with County Judge Lina Hidalgo abstaining.

The decision places Harris County among local governments continuing to use automated public safety camera systems while facing questions about data controls, transparency and interagency access.