Flock Safety Cameras Found Streaming to Public Web

Security researcher Benn Jordan identified dozens of Flock Safety cameras that broadcast video to the open internet. Jordan stated the devices stream without requiring a password. This finding places live surveillance footage within reach of any internet user. Flock Safety provides these camera systems to police departments across the country.

The company maintains its hardware focuses on vehicle identification. Flock Safety says its cameras do not track pedestrians. The firm’s own training materials present a different operational picture. Internal videos show officers using the system to monitor suspects. The training describes following targets from one location to another continuously.

Jordan noted the software employs artificial intelligence for person tracking. He explained the system zooms in on individuals automatically. The AI follows the subject regardless of their status. "And they quite literally use AI to zoom in and follow you around whether you’re a person of interest or not," Jordan said.

This capability extends to regular pedestrians on sidewalks. The cameras are designed to keep a moving person in frame. The technology captures gait and movement data as people walk. This function operates independently of license plate recognition.

Jordan’s discovery highlights a gap between corporate messaging and on-the-ground implementation. The company touts privacy protections for the general public. The open streams suggest a configuration error or a default setting. These settings allow remote access to the camera feed. The footage includes background details beyond the primary subject.

The researcher provided his findings to Flock Safety. The company has not issued a public response to the specific list of open streams. Jordan continues to monitor the network for additional unsecured units. The investigation centers on how widely this practice is deployed.

The issue raises questions about data retention and access. If a camera is open to the public, anyone can watch the live feed. This includes neighbors, commuters, and potential targets. The company’s software tracks movement in real time. The data collected includes location and timing of passage.

Jordan’s work adds to a growing body of research on surveillance tech. The findings rely on direct observation of the software’s behavior. The company’s training videos remain a key piece of evidence. These resources illustrate how law enforcement utilizes the tracking features.

The discovery does not imply every Flock Safety camera is open. Jordan identified dozens of specific units. The total number of affected devices may be higher. The researcher is compiling a full list of the open streams. He plans to share the data with other security experts.

Flock Safety’s product line is installed in many municipal jurisdictions. The company sells the hardware and the software license. Police departments choose the specific features they activate. The AI tracking module is part of the standard package. It can be toggled on or off by the operator.

Jordan’s findings come as privacy advocates push for stricter oversight. The open streams serve as a tangible example of the risk. They demonstrate what happens when security settings fail. The company’s response to this specific batch of cameras is pending.