(Just The News)—Strengthening privacy, accountability and security. That’s the new focus license-plate-reading camera giant Flock said it plans after facing widespread criticism across the U.S.
The company has faced mounting scrutiny for blanketing public rights-of-way – and even private property – with advanced automatic license plate reading cameras, or ALPRs, and for how local law enforcement has used and, in some cases, abused that data.
There’s also growing alarm over the security of Flock’s massive license-plate database itself. On Wednesday’s The States, West Virginia State Delegate Tristan Leavitt voiced those exact concerns about the risk of a breach. He said a Flock representative spoke to the legislature and took questions about stories of the network being hacked.
“He was asked by my colleague, a delegate from an area that has just adopted Flock cameras in their municipality, about videos on YouTube purporting to contain hacked video. And he said, ‘no, that is absolutely false, that we have not ever been hacked,’” Tristan recalled. “There are obviously concerns about these cameras from really across the political spectrum. And so as lawmakers trying to decide what level of involvement the state legislature should have, it’s very difficult if you are not getting straight information directly from Flock themselves.”
Several attempts by The Center Square to set up an interview with someone from Flock were met with no response.
Through a public-relations firm, Flock announced Thursday it is taking concrete steps to answer the rising chorus of criticism over mass surveillance and the potential for abuse.
“Last month alone, we helped detect over a thousand missing people, you know, over 20,000 stolen cars,” Flock CEO Garrett Langley said in a produced video. “We’ve realized our responsibility and our opportunity to set a new standard for safety and privacy has grown with it. And so for us, this is an evolution.”
One change: retention. Previously, Flock recommended keeping license-plate data for 30 days. That window is now being cut to seven days.
For the cases that legitimately need more time, the company is introducing “evidence mode.” Detectives can lock specific ALPR hits in as evidence in an active investigation – consistent with existing laws and policies.
But Langley stressed that Flock has always believed in local control.
“Cities should have a choice,” Langley said. “But what I’ve also realized is that cities rely on us as the expert for what we think is best. As we looked at the data, what we saw is about 90% of investigative searches happened within seven days. So will it solve less crime? It will.”
Cities will now be able to decide exactly which categories of offenses other agencies can search against their cameras, the company said. For example, City A could permit City B to query its network only for stolen vehicles, missing persons, or violent crime – while blocking any searches tied to immigration enforcement. Flock said this gives communities tighter control over data sharing without hindering legitimate collaboration.
Accountability is getting an upgrade too. Langley said the company is strengthening its audit assistance program to produce better, more usable audit logs.
“We are finding bad cops and holding them accountable,” Langley said. “And about a third of our customers actually adopted it over the last four months. We think now is the right time to say, ‘look, this should be required.’ And I would challenge, you know, state regulators to make this a law for all police technology to have this level of accountability so we can curb police abuse.”
Every law enforcement customer will be required to adopt the improved audit tools by the end of this year, the news release said. On top of that, Flock is adding proactive lockouts: when a user’s activity trips defined thresholds for abnormal behavior, the system will automatically suspend access until an administrator reviews it. The company said the goal is to stop misuse before it becomes habitual or widespread.
“These changes, like I said, are the next chapter of a long book I hope to write on how we build a better version of America that’s both safer, protects our privacy, and holds those who have power accountable,” Langley said.
On the security front, Flock said it is committed to running the strongest program in the industry. This year it brought in independent security firm Bishop Fox for a full review of its products and capabilities. A summary of the findings and the company’s remediations is expected to be published next month.
Whether these moves will quiet the criticism over Flock’s nationwide network is unclear.
“There are others like Motorola and other providers,” Leavitt said. “But in terms of dealing with the technology overall, we want to make sure that people are safe and protected. We want to make sure their civil liberties are protected.”
Leavitt said state legislators should also ensure they get accurate information from the companies and provide accountability.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
