The Dallas Police Department announced Tuesday that it will shut down 321 of its Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras by September 15, following a directive from Governor Greg Abbott ordering state agencies to pause funding tied to the surveillance technology.

Why Is DPD Cutting Nearly Half Its Camera Network?

The department said it received official notification regarding the impact of the state’s funding directive on the grant dollars supporting a portion of its Flock camera fleet. As a result, the affected cameras will no longer be eligible for state support and will be taken offline. “The Dallas Police Department will continue evaluating available resources and technology to ensure our officers and detectives have effective tools to support investigations and enhance public safety,” the department said in a statement.

What Prompted Governor Abbott’s Funding Freeze?

Abbott directed all state agencies to halt funding for Flock cameras last week, citing Fourth Amendment concerns and the need for safeguards around private access to the data the cameras collect. A spokesman for the governor clarified that the bulk of Flock funding across Texas comes from federal, not state, sources, but confirmed that any state agency dollars tied to the cameras are being cut off. The move comes as Abbott campaigns for re-election this November.

How Many Cameras Will Still Be Running in Dallas?

Dallas currently operates 684 Flock readers under a three year, roughly $5.7 million contract approved by the city council in 2025, funded through a mix of the General Fund, a state Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority grant and a smaller federal grant. Even after the September 15 shutoff, more than 300 cameras will remain active across the city, according to the department.

What Role Have the Cameras Played in Solving Crimes?

Dallas police have credited the network with helping close a number of major cases. A deputy chief told local media in late August that Flock served as the lead investigative tool in a dozen Dallas homicide investigations so far in 2026, and in fifteen homicide cases the year before. Department officials say the remaining cameras are used daily by detectives to develop leads and identify vehicles tied to criminal activity.

Is There a Push to Eliminate the Program Entirely?

Beyond the state driven cuts, at least one Dallas City Council member is now pressing to end the city’s Flock program altogether, introducing a budget amendment aimed at canceling roughly $1.5 million in remaining city funding for the cameras and their supporting systems. That proposal was set to come before the full council shortly after the department’s announcement.

Is Dallas Alone in Reconsidering Flock Cameras?

No. Dallas becomes the largest Texas city so far to scale back its Flock network, but it isn’t the first. Several smaller North Texas cities have already ended their Flock contracts in recent weeks amid similar privacy concerns, and other local governments around the state have begun reviewing their own agreements with the company.

This story is developing. FOU News will continue to follow developments as the Dallas City Council, the Dallas Police Department, and the Governor’s office release further information.