Resources & Research
Evidence-Based Opposition to Mass Surveillance
Learn More. Dive Deeper.
The case against Flock is backed by research from civil rights organizations, independent investigations, and documented cases from other cities. Here are the resources to build your understanding and your case.
📋 Advocacy & Policy Toolkits
ACLU "Get The Flock Out" Guide
Comprehensive ACLU guide to opposing ALPR surveillance and Flock Safety cameras. Includes policy recommendations, talking points, and case studies.
aclu.org ↗
EFF Flock Safety Research
Electronic Frontier Foundation's detailed research on Flock's technology, data practices, and privacy risks. Essential reading for understanding ALPR.
eff.org ↗
DeFlock National Movement
National coalition mapping Flock deployments and supporting local campaigns. Coordinates strategy across cities, shares lessons from successful opposition.
deflock.org ↗
🔬 Research & Documentation
Good Jobs First: Corporate Surveillance Report
Independent research on Flock Safety's partnerships, government subsidies, and data practices. Documents the company's ties to federal agencies.
goodjobsfirst.org ↗
ICE & Flock Safety Access Documentation
FOIA documents and procurement records showing ICE's use of ALPR data and partnerships with Flock. Evidence of immigration enforcement integration.
muckrock.com ↗
Stanford Internet Observatory: Flock Study
Academic research on Flock's surveillance practices, data retention policies, and effectiveness claims. Critical analysis of the company's marketing vs. reality.
stanford.edu ↗
📍 Other Cities: Case Studies & Playbooks
Austin, Texas - Flock Rejection (2021)
How Austin city council voted to reject Flock after resident pressure and civil rights concerns. Documents the public campaign and council debate.
Search: "Austin rejects Flock" or visit austintexas.gov for council minutes
Ithaca, New York - ALPR Ban (2020)
Ithaca city council voted to ban ALPR surveillance citywide. Established legal framework for rejecting automated license plate readers.
Search: "Ithaca ALPR ban" or visit cityofithaca.ny.us for resolutions
Saranac Lake, New York - Community Opposition (2021)
Residents successfully prevented Flock deployment after organizing against surveillance. Documents grassroots tactics and community power.
Search: "Saranac Lake Flock" for local news coverage
Bloomington, Minnesota - Surveillance Tech Review
Our neighboring city conducted transparency audits of surveillance technology and restricted deployments. Policy model for Woodbury.
Search: "Bloomington surveillance technology" or visit ci.bloomington.mn.us
📖 How-To Guides
How to File a FOIA Request
Step-by-step guide to requesting government records. Learn how to demand disclosure of Flock contracts, surveillance camera locations, and data access logs.
Minnesota FOIA Process: Submit written requests to city clerk. Legally required 5-day response time (may request extensions).
How to Speak at City Council Meetings
Guide to public comment procedures, time limits, registration requirements, and effective speaking strategies for municipal government.
Contact Woodbury City Hall for specific procedures
Organizing a Neighborhood Campaign
Tactics for building grassroots opposition: door-to-door organizing, social media, community events, coalition building.
marshallingproject.org ↗
Writing to Elected Officials
Best practices for email, phone calls, and letters to city council members. How to be effective and create accountability.
Short, clear, specific requests get responses
🎓 Educational Resources
Privacy International: Surveillance Explainers
International organization providing technical and policy education on surveillance technology, privacy rights, and resistance strategies.
privacyinternational.org ↗
Article 19: Digital Freedom to Know & Share
Educational resources on freedom of information, privacy rights, and how to combat surveillance.
article19.org ↗
MIT Media Lab: The Social Dilemma of ALPR
Academic research on the societal impacts of mass surveillance technology and alternatives for public safety.
media.mit.edu ↗
🔗 More Information
Flock Safety Official Website
The company's own claims about their technology and use cases. Compare against independent research for critical perspective.
flocksafety.com ↗
Minnesota FOIA Resources
State and local resources for submitting FOIA requests and understanding Minnesota data privacy laws.
revisor.mn.gov ↗
Woodbury City Website
Official city government information, council meeting schedules, and contact information for elected officials.
woodburymn.gov ↗
💡 Key Research Findings
- Effectiveness unclear: Studies show ALPR captures data on millions of vehicles but unclear impact on actual crime-solving rates.
- Bias documented: ALPR systems show racial bias in accuracy and are used disproportionately against communities of color.
- Function creep: Surveillance tools deployed for one purpose often expand to broader uses over time.
- ICE integration confirmed: Multiple FOIA requests have documented ICE access to Flock data nationally.
- Community opposition works: When residents organize and demand action, city councils listen and reject Flock.