"A camera made by the technology startup Flock Safety misread the "7" on Upchurch's plate for a "2" and pinged Wilson. In body camera footage, Wilson can be heard telling another officer after the arrest that he thought the camera "mis-hit." Upchurch, it turned out, was right: The license plates weren't stolen, and he was the truck's registered owner."
"When Upchurch pulled over, officers from the Toledo Police Department drew their guns and ordered him out of his red Dodge Ram. Upchurch initially refused to turn off the engine or exit the truck, and repeatedly asked officers why he was being pulled over. An officer named Adrian Wilson warned that he would deploy his police dog if Upchurch didn't get on the ground."
"Flock's license plate readers are used by law enforcement agencies, businesses, and homeowner associations. Founded in 2017, its stated mission is "shaping the future of safety." It has expanded into thousands of communities since then, emerging as one of the industry's biggest players. Its rise hasn't been without controversy, much of which has focused on privacy issues."
Brandon Upchurch was pulled over by Toledo Police in April 2024 after a Flock Safety license plate reader misread the "7" on his plate as a "2", flagging it as stolen. During the stop, officer Adrian Wilson deployed a police dog that attacked Upchurch, causing injuries. Upchurch was arrested on charges of obstructing official business and resisting arrest, but the charges were dismissed after it was confirmed his plates were legitimate and he was the registered owner. Flock Safety, founded in 2017, operates license plate readers used by law enforcement, businesses, and homeowner associations across thousands of communities. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the technology's accuracy and privacy implications.
#license-plate-reader-technology #police-accountability #flock-safety #wrongful-arrest #privacy-concerns
Read at Business Insider
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