Judge Rules Warrantless Flock Search Unconstitutional

A US District Judge ruled that warrantless searches of Flock automated license plate reader systems violated the Fourth Amendment, throwing out drug evidence. The October 1 decision by Judge Sara Hill concerns a Tulsa County case where an out-of-state plate triggered a stop. While the initial traffic stop was justified, the judge found the prolonged detention and digital surveillance lacked probable cause, suppressing 91 pounds of methamphetamine evidence found during the search. Flock stated it was not a party to the case and expects an appeal.