As controversy around Flock Safety’s network of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras continues to swirl, people can now take their frustration out in computerized form thanks to one gamer who has added the cameras to Grand Theft Auto V. Grand Theft Automated License Plate Reader is a game mod—a fan-made modification that changes or adds features to a video game—that adds 235 Flock ALPR cameras to the in-game city of Los Santos. The mod, created by software engineer Morry Kolman, not only makes the game harder by allowing police to track players with the cameras, but also allows players to smash and shoot down the cameras for monetary rewards.
Newsweek reached out to Kolman, Flock and Rockstar Games via email for comment. Flock cameras collect license plate information along with details such as a vehicle's color, make, model, and other distinguishing characteristics, and can be searched by law enforcement agencies. With cameras operating in thousands of communities across the country, supporters say the system is an important investigative tool, while critics argue that the network breaches privacy.
Communities have rejected proposed Flock camera deployments or removed existing camera networks amid concerns about surveillance and civil liberties. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers have pushed legislation to restrict or more closely regulate ALPR technology, arguing that growing use threatens privacy rights guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Eric Burlison of Missouri introduced the “Flock-Off Act” earlier this month, a bill to ban federal funding for flock cameras, which would require federal agencies to remove federally funded systems and require state and local recipients to stop operating them within 180 days.
Meanwhile, when asked about Flock cameras on board Air Force One this month, President Donald Trump lent the cameras some much needed support. "I sort of like 'em because of that, because of law enforcement. They think it's an infringement,” Trump said.
Players can download the mod to their game and play with the Flock-inspired features. Kolman said the mod was designed to reflect both the growing reach of ALPR networks and concerns raised by critics about surveillance and wrongful identifications. The mod's website notes that players can destroy cameras for cash rewards and includes a mechanic that can trigger police pursuits even when a player has committed no crime.
With 235 cameras to contend with, Kolman pointed out on the mod’s web page that: “This number is 1/10th the amount of Flock ALPRS currently tracked by DeFlock.org in LA County, which GTA V is heavily based on.” In real-life Los Angeles, the city is one of over 140 communities who have canceled, deactivated or rejected Flock cameras this year after the LAPD let its contract with Flock expire in July. When the mod is downloaded, gameplay is influenced by the presence of the cameras. Suddenly, police surveillance becomes nearly impossible to evade while taking part in criminal activity in the game, while there is also a chance of police response even when the player has done nothing wrong.
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