Flock CEO Garrett Langley stated at TechCrunch Disrupt that the company’s audio sensors detect only gunshots. However, the company’s official website lists additional capabilities, including the detection of car crashes, fireworks, and street takeovers.
The company previously attempted to implement a feature to detect human screaming and distress. Following criticism from privacy groups, Flock removed this functionality from its offerings for customers.
A spokesperson for Flock clarified that while the technology primarily targets gunfire, it remains capable of identifying fireworks, sideshows, and vehicle accidents. The company noted that its detection library is designed to expand based on customer needs.
Garrett Langley mentioned that the number of deployed microphones is comparable to the scale of ShotSpotter, which reportedly operated approximately 25,000 devices as of 2024.
The company faces increasing public and regulatory scrutiny. Texas and Florida have moved to terminate their contracts with Flock, and Amazon’s Ring has discontinued its partnership with the firm.
