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Used by more than 5,000 3law enforcement agencies, they scan passing vehicles, capturing license plates and other details that are stored in a searchable database.

If a plate is connected to a 4wanted vehicle, stolen car or investigation, police get an alert.

The technology 5notably helped 6track down last year's Brown University shooting suspect.

Flock says it supported about a million law enforcement investigations last year and helped locate more than 10,000 missing people.

But critics warn of a growing 7surveillance network, one they say 8invades privacy, triggers 9false alerts and operates without enough 10oversight.

"Where is the line where it stops being for solving crime and starts violating individual privacy?"

The nonprofit Institute for Justice says dozens of officers in recent years have 11resigned or been arrested after allegedly abusing license plate reader systems, including accusations of stalking.

"By using a private company, it allows a lot of the police departments to 12circumvent the normal red tape, like getting a warrant."

Flock has 13rolled out new safety controls, including tools for 14flagging unusual searches.

"We have an 15obligation to make everyone feel safe. We've built a tool that demands accountability and transparency."

Safeguards, privacy experts say, don't go far enough.

Some want cameras removed altogether.

Others are calling for stronger rules, transparency and accountability from leaders.

"Like any tool in a police department's arsenal, we need 16guardrails."