Surveillance technology firm Flock Safety is introducing mandatory software updates to its platform following reports that police officers have misused the company’s tools to stalk ex-partners and other individuals. The company, which provides automated license plate recognition and other surveillance systems to law enforcement, has faced scrutiny over how its data is accessed and monitored.

Flock CEO Garrett Langley acknowledged the severity of the situation in a recent interview, stating, “We got this one wrong.” Langley noted a shift in the company’s internal philosophy regarding its role in policing. Previously, the company maintained a more hands-off approach, but it is now moving toward a model where it takes greater responsibility for how its technology is utilized by agencies.

The primary technical change involves the mandatory implementation of a feature called “Audit Assistance.” Previously an optional setting, this tool is designed to monitor search patterns and flag “abnormal search behavior.” When the system detects a suspicious query, it will automatically lock the user out of the platform until a department administrator can review the activity. This update is expected to roll out across all client agencies in the coming weeks. While the company is taking these steps to mitigate unauthorized access, the move highlights the ongoing tension between the deployment of advanced surveillance tools and the potential for privacy violations by those tasked with enforcing the law.