Jason Koebler

Flock, which makes AI license plate scanners, published a study saying that it is "Instrumental in Solving 10% of Reported Crime in U.S."

Now one of the researchers who oversaw the study says he does not think statistical analysis of the sort done in the paper should be done:

https://www.404media.co/researcher-who-oversaw-flock-surveillance-study-now-has-concerns-about-it/

Let’s Talk About the Flock Study That Says It Solves Crime

A Flock study claims it is “instrumental in solving 10% of reported crime in U.S.” A researcher who oversaw the study is now questioning how it was done.

404 Media
Mar 20, 2024 at 3:15pmElk
Show threadJason KoeblerMar 20, 2024

This is the type of story that's very hard to put a headline on, but that I feel is very important.

Flock is responsible for the mass proliferation of ALPRs. It uses studies like these to sell their products to police. Flock celebrated this writeup in a trade publication for police. Flock pays researchers to have this stuff done, then fights against the release of that info. A researcher on the study and in the press release is now saying this:

https://www.police1.com/tech-pulse/study-validates-impact-of-flock-safetys-lpr-technology-on-crime-clearance-rates

Study validates impact of Flock Safety's LPR technology on crime clearance rates

For a typical agency, the addition of one Flock Safety LPR camera per sworn officer is associated with a 9.1% increase in the clearance rate of crimes

Police1
Show threadDustinMar 20, 2024
@jasonkoebler Researcher Duped Into Lending Credibility to Dubious Industry-Funded Study?
Show threadVissMar 20, 2024
@jasonkoebler oh flock tried to fuck over my HOA. their licensing is SHADY AS HELL. they're basically guilty of doing this same stuff adobe got in trouble with the ftc over: https://appleinsider.com/articles/23/12/14/adobe-faces-big-fines-from-ftc-over-difficult-subscription-cancellation
Adobe faces FTC fines over subscription practices

Adobe could face hefty fines related to its overly difficult and costly subscription cancellation practices due to an ongoing Federal Trade Commission Probe.

AppleInsider