Garrett Langley of Flock Safety on building technology to solve crime

Flock Safety: Revolutionizing Crime Prevention

The Origin of Flock Safety

• Garrett Langley founded Flock Safety in 2017 after experiencing an unsolved crime in his neighborhood, leading to the development of a camera network for law enforcement.

• Langley shares a shocking statistic about unlocked vehicles in neighborhoods like Atlanta, highlighting the ease with which firearms can be accessed by criminals.

• He describes how gang members exploit this vulnerability by pulling door handles to find unlocked cars, emphasizing the need for better community safety measures.

Initial Challenges and Solutions

• After a firearm was stolen from his neighborhood, Langley expressed frustration at the police's lack of urgency in solving such crimes.

• With a background in electrical engineering, he collaborated with a friend to create a camera system that tracked license plates as a direct response to local crime issues.

• The initial camera setup allowed them to identify suspicious vehicles and ultimately led to the arrest of individuals involved in further crimes.

Growth Through Media Exposure

• Their success caught media attention; local news coverage became their primary growth channel, demonstrating the power of community engagement in crime prevention.

• Each time they solved a crime, they leveraged media opportunities to promote their story and attract interest from other neighborhoods seeking similar solutions.

Evolution of Flock's Technology

• Initially focused on individual neighborhoods, Flock evolved into providing comprehensive safety systems that address community-wide concerns rather than just individual security measures.

• Today, Flock has helped clear over one million crimes across America through its advanced technology and integration with law enforcement agencies.

Technical Innovations and Real-Time Response

• Langley emphasizes that while Flock plays an essential role in facilitating arrests, it does not take full credit for law enforcement actions; they provide tools that simplify processes for police departments.

• A recent example illustrates how real-time data from 911 calls allows officers to respond quickly—leading to arrests within minutes instead of weeks or months.

Collaboration Across Jurisdictions

• Flock operates across over 6,000 cities in America, covering more than half the population. This extensive reach enables better coordination among various law enforcement agencies.

• Unlike many countries with centralized police forces, America's decentralized model presents unique challenges for information sharing among local jurisdictions.

Privacy Concerns and Public Perception

• The discussion touches on public trust issues regarding government collaboration between local and federal authorities. Many citizens are wary due to historical distrust towards larger governmental bodies.

• Langley notes that while some legislation restricts cooperation between state and federal agencies (e.g., California), effective collaboration is crucial for addressing complex criminal cases spanning multiple jurisdictions.

Addressing Crime Through Technology

• The technical aspects of tracking stolen vehicles involve integrating databases maintained by organizations like the FBI. Local hot lists are updated immediately compared to national databases which may take longer.

• By making real-time updates possible through their technology platform, Flock enhances law enforcement's ability to respond swiftly when crimes occur.

Balancing Safety and Privacy

• There is ongoing debate about privacy erosion versus increased safety provided by surveillance technologies. While some argue against constant monitoring, others see it as necessary for public safety enhancement.

The Intersection of Privacy and Public Roads

Understanding Privacy on Public Roads

• Discussion on the lack of constitutional privacy when using government roads and licenses, highlighting that driver's licenses are a modern concept.

• Emphasis on the importance of accountability in data usage, with audit trails stored perpetually and made publicly available to limit abuse.

Data Retention Policies

• Argument that limited data retention (7 to 30 days) reduces interest for potential misuse compared to long-term data storage by brokers.

• Mention of how outdated data is often irrelevant in criminal investigations, emphasizing the need for timely information.

Technology's Role in Crime Fighting

Impact of Cell Phone Data

• Insight into how cell phone location data has significantly influenced crime-solving, particularly in murder cases.

• Introduction of CDR (Cellular Data Records), which helps law enforcement determine suspects' locations based on cell tower interactions.

Criminal Behavior and Technology

• Notable observation that criminals frequently carry their phones during crimes, making it easier for law enforcement to track them down.

• Example case where a suspect was caught due to surveillance cameras despite attempting to avoid detection by leaving their phone at home.

Emerging Challenges: Drones in Crime

Drones as Tools for Criminal Activity

• Discussion about the rise of drones used by criminals for reconnaissance before committing burglaries, showcasing an asymmetric warfare scenario against law enforcement.

• Specific example of South American cartels using drones equipped with night vision technology to scout homes before breaking in.

Law Enforcement Limitations

• Explanation that law enforcement cannot engage or shoot down unauthorized drones due to FAA regulations, creating challenges in maintaining public safety.

Accountability Standards: Law Enforcement vs. Criminal Activity

High Standards for Law Enforcement

• Acknowledgment that while local law enforcement is held accountable through strict standards, similar expectations do not apply to criminals.

Debate Over Law Enforcement Powers

• Discussion around whether law enforcement should have more tools and authority to solve crimes quickly while balancing civil liberties concerns.

Facial Recognition Technology: Pros and Cons

Nuanced Perspectives on Facial Recognition

• Argument that facial recognition technology should be evaluated based on its application rather than being outright banned; suggesting it could be useful for serious crimes but not minor offenses like shoplifting.

Body Cameras: A Double-edged Sword

The Role of Body Cameras

• Observation that body cameras can exonerate police officers by providing objective evidence during incidents involving allegations of misconduct.

Shifting Policing Strategies

Objective Policing Approaches

• Shift towards policing strategies focused on real-time crime detection rather than historical patterns, aiming for a more equitable approach across communities.

Current Crime Trends

Overview of Crime Rates Post-COVID

• General decline in crime rates post-COVID; however, major cities still face significant challenges with violent crime.

Factors Influencing Recent Crime Spikes

• Speculation regarding mental health issues or increased opportunities leading to spikes in violence during COVID lockdown periods.

Organized Retail Theft Trends

Rise in Organized Resell Crimes

• Notable increase in organized retail theft during COVID; companies like CVS have responded by locking up merchandise due to rising theft rates.

Distribution Facility Vulnerabilities

• Shift from store theft to targeting distribution facilities as criminals seek larger hauls with less risk involved.

Understanding Business Focus on Physical Locations

Key Insights on Target Industries

• The company prioritizes businesses with significant physical footprints, such as retail, healthcare, and logistics, rather than focusing solely on market cap or revenue.

• Examples of ideal prospects include Dollar General and Subway due to their extensive number of locations.

Shifting Challenges in Security

• Initially, the primary concern for businesses was asset theft post-COVID; however, the focus has shifted towards employee safety.

• Automated systems can flag terminated employees to enhance security measures when they attempt to return to campus.

Enhancing Safety Measures in Corporate Environments

Executive Protection Strategies

• The company provides security solutions for high-profile individuals like Fortune 2000 CEOs by monitoring unusual vehicle activity at their residences and corporate offices.

Notable Theft Case in Healthcare

• A sophisticated theft incident involved impersonators stealing a multi-million dollar robotic surgical arm from a hospital by posing as repair personnel.

• This case highlights the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers and federal authorities for addressing serious crimes.

Global Market Considerations

International Expansion Challenges

• While there is interest in international markets, complexities arise from local regulations and law enforcement structures that may hinder expansion efforts.

Domestic Opportunities vs. Global Ambitions

• The speaker believes there is substantial domestic growth potential (5 to 15 billion dollars), indicating a preference for focusing on U.S. markets before pursuing global opportunities.

Competitive Landscape Analysis

Major Competitors in Law Enforcement Technology

• Key competitors include Axon (known for body cameras and tasers), Motorola Solutions (providing radios), and other emerging players entering the market.

Investment Challenges Faced by Startups

• Investors were initially hesitant due to perceived risks associated with hardware sales and government contracts; however, recent shifts have made it easier for startups to gain traction.

Innovations in Public Safety Technology

Real-Time Analysis of Emergency Calls

• The company aims to create an orchestration layer that automates many manual tasks within police departments facing staffing shortages.

Use Cases for Drones in Law Enforcement

• Drones are being utilized effectively for various tasks including vehicular pursuits, responding to 911 calls more efficiently than traditional methods, and aiding search-and-rescue operations.

The Dangers of Laser Attacks on Aircraft

Overview of the Issue

• Discussion begins with the alarming trend of individuals using powerful lasers to target aircraft, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when people were cooped up and looking for thrills.

• The danger is emphasized, especially for pilots flying commercial planes filled with passengers; incidents are common enough that air traffic control recordings capture these events frequently.

Consequences and Law Enforcement Response

• An interesting twist occurs when a laser aimed at an aircraft inadvertently targets a police helicopter, leading to real-time captures of suspects being apprehended.

• The conversation highlights how law enforcement has adapted by turning off ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) systems in helicopters to avoid detection by criminals.

Business Evolution and Challenges in Hardware Development

Growth and Strategy Adjustments

• The speaker reflects on their company's growth trajectory from a single product focused on neighborhood security to a diversified portfolio serving law enforcement and corporate clients.

• They acknowledge past mistakes in rapidly expanding their product line without adequate market understanding, which led to significant capital expenditures.

Lessons Learned from Hardware Production

• Acknowledgment that hardware development follows a J curve where initial investments are high before profitability can be realized; scaling requires careful planning.

• Emphasis on the need for better demand forecasting, as overproduction can lead to substantial financial losses due to unsold inventory sitting idle.

Operational Challenges in Hardware Management

Balancing Diverse Customer Needs

• The complexity of servicing different customer segments—like large distribution centers versus urban environments—is highlighted as a major operational challenge.

Insights into Forecasting Demand

• Effective demand forecasting is crucial; failing companies often mismanage this aspect, leading to excess inventory costs.

Financial Implications of Hardware Decisions

Costly Mistakes in Supply Chain Management

• Every decision regarding hardware components carries significant financial implications; poor choices can result in millions lost or wasted resources.

Navigating Supply Chain Risks

• Discussion about supply chain challenges exacerbated by larger tech companies monopolizing component availability, impacting smaller firms' production capabilities.

Ethical Considerations Around Surveillance Technology

Balancing Safety and Civil Liberties

• The conversation shifts towards ethical concerns surrounding surveillance technology usage in public spaces like parks.

Legislative Framework for Surveillance Use

• Advocates for more cameras but stresses the importance of strict regulations governing access and data retention policies.

Perspectives on Police Procurement Practices

Critique of Current Procurement Processes

• Observations made about police departments often purchasing unnecessary equipment while overlooking practical solutions that could serve them better.

RFP Process Limitations

• Highlights inefficiencies within government procurement processes, particularly how RFP documents tend to favor specific vendors rather than fostering competitive bidding.

Flock's Innovative Approach to Crime Prevention and Drone Technology

The Importance of High-Speed Tracking

• Flock faced early skepticism regarding the capability of their license plate reader technology, particularly its effectiveness at high speeds.

• Initial tests were conducted at lower speeds (80-90 mph), but they eventually needed to validate performance at 120 mph on a racetrack due to sales pressure.

• The company utilized various fast cars for testing, including Teslas and Rivians, highlighting the fun aspect of product development.

Technical Innovations in Camera and Radar Systems

• Flock's camera system required minimal modifications; however, a radar attachment was added for specific scenarios where visibility angles were tight.

• The camera operates offline until activated by detecting vehicles, which serves as a power-saving measure similar to smartphone functionality.

• Continuous radar operation consumes negligible power compared to taking pictures or sending data to the cloud.

Building Drones: A Family Affair

• The founder expressed joy in creating products that resonate with his children, making technology relatable and exciting for them.

• Flock’s drone design philosophy mirrors military aircraft development—focusing first on payload capabilities before optimizing flight mechanics.

• Their drones feature advanced imaging systems capable of reading license plates from significant distances, showcasing impressive technical specifications.

Engineering Challenges and Solutions

• Drones require specialized docking systems akin to commercial HVAC units for optimal battery management under varying environmental conditions.

• Flock has deployed hundreds of drones across multiple cities, emphasizing their operational scale without disclosing exact numbers.

Legal Considerations in Drone Deployment

• There is ongoing debate about whether drones should be airborne continuously versus being dispatched only when necessary based on 911 calls. This raises constitutional concerns regarding privacy rights during surveillance operations.

• Flock employs a team of constitutional attorneys to ensure compliance with legal standards while developing new technologies and applications for law enforcement use cases.

Future Directions: Preventing Crime Before It Happens

• Flock aims to expand its focus beyond responding to crimes towards preventing them through community engagement initiatives like the Thriving Cities Fund, which invests in local businesses that can provide jobs for youth at risk of criminal activity.

• The founder advocates for innovative solutions that address systemic issues leading young people toward crime rather than relying solely on punitive measures like incarceration, which often exacerbate recidivism rates.