I spoke to UTD PD about Flock. I’m not convinced.
I’m Sarim Muhammad, student senator. On Tuesday, September 29th, I spoke to the UTD PD police chief, police captain, and Dr. Martin, along with Student Government regarding my concerns about Flock Cameras and ALPRs. My concerns remain the same.
Flock Cameras and ALPRs enable a global surveillance network, and UTD’s 13 Flock cameras play a part in supporting that.
When I spoke to the UTD PD, I asked directly about the 593 different police departments that they share our student data with. I asked them if they have any control on what happens when that data leaves our campus, and if they had ever audited any of these external organizations.
They told me that, once that data leaves to the 593 off-campus police departments, which go as far as Santa Barbara County, California, they have no control over what happens. I asked them if these 593 off-campus police departments could share our data with even more police departments, such as ICE. They told me they could. They also told Student Government that they will cooperate with ICE, when necessary, by law.
When our data is shared across the country without concern, to places as far as Ohio and Illinois, it doesn’t matter how many checks, rules, or oversight the UTD PD has on their own access. Our data is freely accessible across the country. Students should not have to wonder whether attending a protest, a political event, a religious gathering, a labor organizing meeting, or a controversial speaker event could create a searchable record of their presence.
The UTD PD claimed the Flock data is completely secure and encrypted. But reports from 404 Media and Wired showed how easily a Flock camera’s data can be accessed.
They told me they scan around 30,000 unique plates every weekday. Yet, they only have 66 alerts for all of 2026. Why are we spending $32,500 per year on something that has a fraction of a percent of a hit rate?
I’m the person who brought Flock/ALPR concerns to Student Government. At the senate meeting, too many senators left before I was able to present my resolution on banning Flock cameras. That’s why I will be presenting it again on October 13th, Tuesday, in the Galaxy Rooms at 5:30 p.m. I recommend any students who want to make their voices heard to show up at this meeting.
After speaking with the UTD PD, I’ve also decided to create an online petition. Please consider signing it!
The UTD PD told me they were “looking into” ways to restrict who gets access to their Flock data. Actions speak louder than words. And there’s one action we could do today that would guarantee the safety of our data. DeFlocking UTD.
Sincerely,
Sarim Muhammad
Elected Student Senator