Flock Safety’s Controversial Move: California Mayor Hired and Now Suing the Company!
In a significant legal development, Flock Safety, a police surveillance startup, faces a lawsuit from Moreno Valley’s Mayor Ulises Cabrera. The mayor alleges wrongful termination, citing that Flock pressured him to use his official position to promote their products. This case raises critical concerns regarding the intersection of private corporations and public officials.
Background of the Lawsuit Against Flock Safety
In November 2024, Cabrera filed a lawsuit against Flock, claiming that his employment as a Community Engagement Manager from February to June 2024 was marred by unethical demands from the company. Flock, backed by Andreessen Horowitz, has achieved a valuation of $3.5 billion with its license plate recognition technology and recent drone expansions.
Flock’s Response to Allegations
Flock has vehemently denied Cabrera’s allegations, asserting that hiring a sitting mayor is compliant with California’s conflict-of-interest laws. The company states it provided Cabrera with training on these regulations, which prohibit public officials from making decisions based on personal financial interests but do allow them to hold private sector jobs.
Details of Cabrera’s Employment and Allegations
Cabrera’s lawsuit reveals that he was approached by a Flock employee shortly after starting his role, who allegedly asked him to leverage his mayoral influence to benefit the company. Concerned about the implications, Cabrera sought legal advice, which he claims led to retaliatory actions from Flock.
- Cabrera allegedly presented Flock’s technology at multiple city council meetings, including locations outside his jurisdiction.
- He asserts that he faced retaliation for raising concerns about Flock’s reporting of surveillance cameras in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
- A separate investigation found that Flock had potentially violated laws in multiple states regarding camera installations.
Public Reaction and Concerns
Albert Fox Cahn, founder of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, expressed alarm over the allegations. He stated, “It’s disturbing to see claims that this company would pressure staff to unethically misuse a government position.” This incident highlights growing apprehensions about the close ties between the surveillance industry and governmental operations.
Cabrera’s Campaign and Ongoing Legal Issues for Flock
During his re-election campaign, Cabrera promoted his previous vote to fund a Flock system in Moreno Valley without disclosing his subsequent employment with the company. His LinkedIn profile does not mention Flock, raising further questions about transparency.
Flock is currently entangled in multiple legal issues, including a lawsuit from a civil rights organization claiming that its surveillance practices violate the Fourth Amendment. In September, the Texas Department of Public Safety issued a cease and desist order against Flock for operating without the necessary licenses.
For more information on the implications of surveillance technology and ethics in public office, visit Surveillance Technology Oversight Project.
Stay updated on this developing story as it unfolds, and explore related articles on legal issues surrounding surveillance technology.
