On September 10, 2026, the District of Columbia Police Union publicly called for stronger safeguards and full public transparency regarding the Metropolitan Police Department’s use of the Flock Safety camera network.
The union, represented by Gregg Pemberton, said the system’s broad capabilities require significant oversight to protect civil liberties and maintain public trust.
The request includes the implementation of clear guardrails that define how footage is collected, stored, and accessed, as well as a commitment to make operational details available to the public.
The demand comes amid growing criticism of the Flock Safety cameras in the Washington, D.C., area, where community groups and privacy advocates have raised concerns about the technology’s reach and potential for misuse.
By urging the Metropolitan Police Department to adopt stricter oversight, the union aims to balance law‑enforcement needs with accountability, emphasizing that transparency is essential for the system’s continued legitimacy.
The police union’s position adds a new dimension to the ongoing debate over surveillance tools in the city, signaling that internal stakeholders are also seeking clearer policies before the technology expands further.
Union officials argue that the technology’s ability to capture high‑resolution images and track vehicle movements across multiple intersections gives it a scope that extends beyond traditional traffic enforcement. They contend that without explicit limits, the data could be used for purposes unrelated to public safety, raising questions about privacy and accountability. By calling for a transparent framework, the union seeks to ensure that any expansion of the system aligns with established legal standards and community expectations.