Flock CEO Claims Microphones Only Detect Gunshots, Website Suggests Otherwise

The CEO of Flock Safety, Garrett Langley, recently defended the company’s gunshot detection technology, asserting that the microphones are programmed to solely detect the sound of gunshots. However, a closer inspection of Flock’s website reveals a more extensive range of ambient noises that the system also registers.

In a session at TechCrunch Disrupt, Langley elaborated on the Gunshot Detection feature, highlighting its role in providing early alerts for public safety incidents by listening for gunfire and other nearby sounds. According to the company’s documentation, the technology can promptly identify gunfire while also claiming capabilities to detect early signs of street chaos and serious accidents, thereby facilitating quicker emergency response.

Since its introduction last year, the Gunshot Detection feature has faced backlash, primarily due to Flock’s initial claim that the technology could listen for “screaming.” This assertion drew sharp criticism from privacy advocates, prompting Flock to revise its website language to describe it as detecting “sounds of human distress.” Eventually, the company removed this capability altogether following feedback from users.

Langley addressed concerns regarding misconceptions surrounding the technology, arguing that critics may not fully understand how it operates. His statements come as public sentiment continues to shift against companies like Flock, highlighted by protests in cities such as San Francisco.

“Most people don’t call 911 when they hear a gunshot, and that’s why we created this product,” Langley explained. He noted that requests from some clients for additional functionalities, such as alerts for potential abductions or harm, led to the initial broadening of the technology’s capabilities.

Langley admitted that while there were early prototypes for more functionalities, the decision was made to limit the technology’s focus strictly to gunshot detection. Despite the surrounding controversy, he emphasized that Flock’s main concentration remains on detecting gunfire alone.

A spokesperson from Flock later clarified that the gunshot detection system is primarily intended for identifying gunfire but can also recognize fireworks, street takeovers, and car crashes. The spokesperson reiterated that the technology does not listen to conversations or analyze spoken language and currently lacks the ability to detect human distress.

The website’s FAQ section acknowledges that, in addition to gunfire, the detection capabilities also encompass other disruptive events, with a commitment to expanding the technology to meet evolving community safety needs.

Langley noted that the number of Flock’s microphones parallels that of ShotSpotter, which reportedly had around 25,000 microphones deployed by 2024.

With increasing scrutiny from privacy advocates and mounting public concern about surveillance technology, Flock has faced significant backlash, including calls for the destruction of its camera systems. Additionally, states like Texas and Florida have begun severing ties with the company amid privacy concerns, while Amazon’s Ring has also terminated its partnership with Flock.