Texas officer indicted on 100 felony counts for alleged Flock camera misuse
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A Lufkin, Texas police officer was arrested and indicted on 100 third-degree felony charges for allegedly using Flock surveillance cameras to spy on 11 civilians for over a year. The Lufkin Police Department has suspended its use of Flock cameras while investigations continue. The case has prompted other Texas jurisdictions to reconsider their contracts with the company.
Key Facts
- Zachary Klein, a 32-year-old Lufkin police officer, was indicted on 100 third-degree felony counts of misuse of official information.
- Klein allegedly used Flock's automated license plate readers to track the vehicles of 11 people for over a year.
- Lufkin Police Chief Travis Brazil suspended the department's use of Flock cameras and requested a Texas Rangers investigation.
- Hood County terminated its agreement with Flock last week, and Houston residents urged Harris County to do the same.
- Flock reduced its default data retention period from 30 days to seven days and mandated previously optional audit-assistance features.
The Indictment
Zachary Klein, a 32-year-old officer with 11 years at the Lufkin Police Department, was arrested earlier this month and indicted on 100 third-degree felony charges. Each charge is for misuse of official information, stemming from his alleged use of Flock's camera network to spy on 11 innocent civilians for over a year. The Lufkin Police Department began an audit after becoming aware of potential issues with Flock's use, leading internal affairs to investigate Klein and another officer who has been placed on administrative leave. Lufkin Police Chief Travis Brazil asked the Texas Rangers to open an investigation, and the state-level agency ultimately arrested Klein.
Department and Regional Response
Chief Brazil announced, "While the investigations are ongoing, we have suspended the use of Flock cameras within the department." The suspension comes amid broader pushback against Flock across Texas. Hood County terminated its agreement with Flock last week, according to Texas Public Radio. Houston residents attended a Harris County Commissioners Court meeting to urge officials to end the county's contract with Flock.
Flock Policy Changes
Flock reduced its default data retention period from 30 days to seven days. However, law enforcement agencies can still retain photos for over a month by changing default settings. Flock also required police departments to use previously optional audit-assistance features. The case highlights concerns that Flock's network requires every user to be fully aware of privacy law, a standard critics say is unrealistic.
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Texas officer indicted on 100 felony counts for alleged Flock camera misuse
