Georgia Man Sues Flock, Sheriff's Office Over ALPR System Misuse
A Georgia small business owner has sued Flock Group and the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, alleging that the company's automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras were used for unlawful surveillance and retaliation.
A small business owner in Georgia has filed a lawsuit against Flock Group and the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, accusing them of using the company's automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology for illegal surveillance and retaliation. The lawsuit claims that license plate data was searched without probable cause over many months, unrelated to any specific investigation, according to attorneys for the plaintiff, Tyler Murkerson.
The suit also alleges that Flock failed to implement safeguards to prevent misuse by law enforcement. Specifically, it claims the company accepted free-text entries instead of requiring specific case numbers or investigation details, which allegedly enabled improper surveillance.
Murkerson's legal troubles began in February 2023 with an arrest for an alleged seatbelt violation, charges that were later dropped. He had also previously sued the sheriff's office in September 2024, alleging excessive force, a case that has since been settled.
This lawsuit raises significant questions about the oversight and potential for misuse of ALPR technology by law enforcement agencies and the responsibilities of the technology providers. The outcome could impact future regulations and legal interpretations regarding the use of such surveillance tools.