Flock CEO Claims Microphones Detect Only Gunshots, Website Lists More
Flock CEO Garrett Langley says its microphones detect only gunshots, while company materials list fireworks, sideshows and potential car crashes as well.
Summary
On October 14, 2026, Flock co-founder and CEO Garrett Langley told interviewer Connie Loizos that the company’s Gunshot Detection microphones listen only for gunshots, despite Flock’s website advertising instant gunfire location plus alerts for street takeovers, sideshows, fireworks, severe or potential car crashes, and other disruptive events. Spokesperson Paris Lewbel said the technology is primarily for gunfire but can identify fireworks, sideshows and potential crashes. He said it neither monitors conversations nor analyzes speech and does not currently detect screaming or distress. Flock’s FAQ says its detection library is continually expanding for emerging threats relevant to customers.
Flock launched the feature in 2025 with detection for screaming, changed that to sounds of human distress after privacy groups objected, then removed distress detection from the couple of customers prototyping it. Langley said those customers wanted parking lot alerts for possible abductions or harm, acknowledged mistakes, and said few people call 911 after hearing gunfire. He put Flock’s microphone count near ShotSpotter’s roughly 25,000 as of 2024. Scrutiny from the ACLU and the public is intensifying, protesters opposed Flock outside the San Francisco venue, some critics have destroyed surveillance cameras, Texas and Florida are moving to end ties, and Amazon’s Ring has ended its partnership.
Positives
- Flock says its systems can pinpoint gunfire instantly, providing earlier awareness when nearby residents do not call 911.
- Fireworks, sideshows and potential car crashes can also trigger alerts intended to accelerate emergency responses.
- Flock removed human distress detection after privacy groups objected to microphones identifying screaming or voices.
- Only a couple of customers participated in the distress-detection prototype before Flock withdrew it.
Risks & concerns
- Garrett Langley’s gunshots-only claim conflicts with Flock’s advertised detection of fireworks, sideshows, crashes and other disruptive events.
- Flock’s continually expanding detection library leaves uncertainty about what its neighborhood microphones could identify next.
- Flock operates a microphone network comparable to ShotSpotter’s roughly 25,000 devices as of 2024, magnifying privacy concerns.
- Texas and Florida are moving to end Flock relationships, Amazon’s Ring ended its partnership, and some critics have destroyed cameras.
- ACLU scrutiny and protests in San Francisco reflect mounting public opposition to Flock and license plate surveillance companies.
