Flock CEO Addressed Surveillance Technology Concerns
CEO Garrett Langley faced questions about his company's audio sensors after public concerns regarding privacy.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Violence
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Flock CEO Garrett Langley stated that his company's Gunshot Detection product is designed to monitor for gunshots. However, company materials and spokespeople have confirmed the system also flags fireworks, car crashes, and street takeovers.
Why it matters
The company developed this technology to assist public safety agencies in neighborhoods where residents often do not report gunfire to emergency services. Its expansion into wider audio surveillance has drawn significant public and legislative scrutiny.
Flock previously attempted to launch a human distress detection feature, but the company withdrew the capability following public backlash. Officials in Texas and Florida have since terminated their relationships with the firm.
The players
Garrett Langley
He is the CEO of Flock, a company that provides surveillance technology to public safety agencies.
Flock
This technology firm manufactures audio detection systems used to monitor neighborhoods for public safety purposes.
ShotSpotter
This is a competing company that operates a large network of audio sensors to detect gunfire.
The details
Protesters gathered outside the TechCrunch Disrupt venue to oppose the company's surveillance methods. While the CEO maintains the system specifically targets gunfire, internal documentation indicates the software expands its detection library based on evolving customer needs.
Timeline
In 2024, the competitor ShotSpotter maintained approximately 25,000 microphones in operation.
Flock announced the launch of its Gunshot Detection feature in 2025.
On October 14, 2026, CEO Garrett Langley addressed the controversy at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco.
Legal Context
The controversy follows the pattern established by the public withdrawal of Flock's human distress detection feature. This incident reflects broader legislative challenges as states like Texas and Florida move to terminate surveillance contracts.
Residents in areas utilizing these sensors may see shifts in local public safety protocols as municipalities re-evaluate their surveillance partnerships. The termination of state contracts in regions like Texas and Florida could affect local police response capabilities.
The takeaway
Privacy advocates and local governments are increasingly questioning the scope of municipal surveillance programs. Residents should verify if their local agencies utilize such audio sensors and how those systems define reportable threats.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Violence monitoring systems.
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Do you trust surveillance companies to be transparent about what their audio equipment is recording?
