Dallas police Flock camera use sparks privacy debate

Some local advocacy groups and lawmakers believe the Flock cameras used by police to track wanted criminals are an invasion of privacy.Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are praising the cameras for helping to solve crimes.Flock Cameras in DallasThere are approximately 670 Flock cameras located all across Dallas. They’re typically mounted on 12-foot poles and have a solar panel on top to power the camera.They can read license plate numbers and other vehicle details. That information is then uploaded into a database that can be accessed by law enforcement agencies.The Dallas Police Department said it does not track the number of arrests specifically related to the use of Flock cameras. However, department called the cameras an essential tool in ensuring the safety of Dallas.Their growing popularity and use in solving crimes has also led to a recent surge in vandalism. DPD said 25 cameras have either been cut down or vandalized since it started tracking cases in March.The damage comes a