GTA 5 Mod Introduces Flock Camera Destruction Feature

Flock cameras have quickly become one of the most despised and controversial technologies in the U.S. One creative modder has tapped into that frustration, resulting in a hilarious twist for players. Grand Theft Automated License Plate Reader, a parody of Flock’s automated license plate recognition system, is a mod for GTA 5 that scatters surveillance cameras throughout Los Santos. These cameras aren’t just for show; if you commit a crime in their view, your Wanted level will increase. Additionally, there’s a 1 in 20 chance that the cameras will trigger a police chase for no apparent reason, reflecting Flock’s reputation for inaccurate reporting.

The mod description states, “Grand Theft Automated License Plate Reader is a GTA 5 mod that installs 235 Flock Automated License Plate Reader cameras (ALPRs) around the in-game map of Los Santos.” This number represents one-tenth of the Flock ALPRs currently tracked by an initiative in LA County, which heavily inspired the game’s setting. Players can choose to have the cameras save images to their hard drive, complete with a humorous watermark that parodies Flock’s own branding.

Players can also take matters into their own hands by destroying these loathed surveillance devices. Each camera destroyed rewards players with $600, reflecting the actual value of the camera’s internal components, which Flock sells to the government at a much higher price. The mod even includes speedrunning support to track how long it takes to completely DeFlock Los Santos.

Flock cameras have ignited significant controversy, primarily because they allow state and local governments to monitor citizens without their consent. These cameras utilize AI to identify alleged crimes and automatically report them to authorities. Beyond the obvious privacy issues, this technology is prone to misuse.

Numerous reports have surfaced of police officers using these AI tools to illegally surveil former partners. Flock cameras have been employed to investigate women seeking abortion services, used by immigration enforcement without warrants, and have resulted in many false arrests and detentions. The American Civil Liberties Union has consistently criticized this technology. Meanwhile, an open-source project is mapping license plate readers across the country, and many individuals have taken action by blocking and vandalizing these cameras as local governments continue to partner with the company.