Police in Wisconsin used Flock camera feeds to determine that a man who regularly traveled to Michigan and back was likely trafficking cannabis, which remains strictly prohibited in Wisconsin, according to a 404 Media report.
Ultimately, Flock’s surveillance technology aided officers in getting the probable cause justification for a vehicle search against Edward Abrams-Phillips, which led to his arrest for cannabis possession.
Flock is a U.S. technology firm that uses automated license plate reader cameras throughout the country to track and log individual vehicle movements. The company presents itself as a public safety technology firm that helps law enforcement and private communities maintain safe communities. However, the company is facing multiple lawsuits and legal challenges alleging privacy violations and mass surveillance, among other concerns.
Abrams-Phillips was under investigation for jumping bail on domestic violence charges, but those charges were dropped, and he was ultimately convicted only of cannabis possession, the report said.
The case demonstrates how police in cannabis prohibition states still prosecute those who visit state-legal markets to buy cannabis, and highlights one of the concerns brought up in the lawsuits against Flock — particularly, that the camera surveillance technology could facilitate police overreach in digging for crimes by
