Overview
- On Thursday, August 13, 2026, Flock announced it will make previously optional safeguards mandatory, including mandatory Audit Assistance, required case numbers for every search, a new Evidence Mode, local limits on outside searches, and a default data retention of seven days.
- The Audit Assistance tool will automatically flag abnormal search behavior, lock users out in real time for administrator review, and must be turned on for all law enforcement customers by Jan. 1, 2027.
- Flock will shorten its default retention from 30 days to seven while allowing agencies to preserve records longer only when a search is tied to a specific case number via Evidence Mode.
- The move follows reporting and local audits that documented false alerts and dozens of alleged officer abuses — including cases where officers used Flock searches to stalk acquaintances — and has prompted more than 50 jurisdictions to pause, cancel, or restrict contracts and some vandalism of cameras.
- Civil-liberties groups, legal experts, and some local officials say the technical fixes leave gaps because officers can enter bogus case numbers and Flock does not independently verify searches, so they are pressing for independent audits, warrants or legal limits and ongoing government investigations that could reshape procurement and use rules.