Alabama Power Company marketed Flock camera systems to municipalities

July 29, 2026 – MOODY, Ala. – Two St. Clair County towns (Moody and Springville) have had to let go or terminate police officers after internal reviews revealed that the officers were improperly (and perhaps illegally) accessing the Flock License Plate Reader (LPR) camera system for personal use.

In the case of the Springville police officer, he reportedly used the Flock camera system to follow the movements of a family member. In Moody, police Sergeant Justin Crump is alleged to have used the camera to track a woman that he had a romantic interest in. The Moody officer was terminated last week, while the Springville officer resigned when confronted with the allegations. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is investigating both cases to determine if criminal violations may have occurred.

Flock LCR Cameras record license plate information from every vehicle that passes down the street in front of them. Everyone's tag number, direction, and vehicle information along with when you passed that camera is recorded, By itself this is not particularly remarkable; but when there are multiple cameras in a municipality the police are equipped to record anyone of interest's movements in remarkable detail. You know who visits who and when. Very useful information if you are keeping track of a suspected drug dealer and his network of customers and suppliers. It is also very useful if you are a jealous individual keeping track of a romantic interest as is alleged to have happened in Moody.

Who are they buying these cameras from and who installs them?

Moody contracted with Alabama Power Company to provide its first Flock cameras in 2023 – just three years after Moody Police Officers Stephen Williams was gunned down by two heavily armed professional criminals out of the City of Birmingham.

That would be the Alabama Power Company of course.

Alabama Power Company's Public Safety Services division, "Enhance security and safety around your business or community with our state-of-the-art technology, existing electric infrastructure and custom solutions. Together with our lighting specialists, our Public Safety team can provide security, reliability and quality to fit your specific needs."

Your city or business can "Take advantage of our complimentary public safety needs analysis, where our experts will assess your requirements and recommend tailored solutions."

Some of these "tailored solutions" include: Advanced Security Cameras. Alabama Power can "install advanced security cameras in your area to monitor and enhance surveillance." They also can provide license plate recognition through the Flock camera systems that have been widely adopted across Alabama.

There are numerous benefits in letting Alabama Power Company help you police your community. These include: installation, access to Alabama Power's extensive pole infrastructure for optimal placement of equipment, comprehensive warranty and maintenance services for your equipment, one call for support, and there is no upfront cost for equipment. The Alabama Power Company will finance the whole deal. You just make payments on your power bill.

"When you partner with us, you can enjoy the benefits without the burden of upfront capital expenses," Alabama Power Company explained on their website. "There's no need to worry about managing or maintaining equipment. Focus on what matters most while we take care of the rest."

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin liked the deal so much that he and the City of Birmingham just last year contracted with Alabama Power Company for 110 more Flock cameras to keep track of crime in the Magic City. Birmingham already had 330 Flock cameras. The updated agreement with the Alabama Power Company raised that to 440 cameras.

The Alabama Gazette spoke with Alabama Power officials about this situation. The Company provided this statement.

"At Alabama Power, safety is our top priority. As part of that commitment, we work with municipalities, agencies and other customers on infrastructure and equipment solutions. Under customer agreements, Alabama Power installs and maintains equipment but does not access or monitor recorded data. Customers retain sole control of the system and all data collected, including decisions regarding its use and sharing. More information can be found at AlabamaPower.com."

Libertarians and privacy advocates object to the growing surveillance state.

Former Libertarian candidate for Governor and U.S. Senate John Sophocleus made the point that the right of way that Alabama Power uses for its powerlines is usually alongside roadways – public road right of way that was paid for by the federal, state, and county governments.

"Is the state getting anything for that? Why are we subsidizing Alabama Power to spy on us?" Sophocleus told the Alabama Gazette.

Meanwhile, Cities are forced to police their own police departments to detect misuse of the Flock camera systems. Moody Mayor Nick Rutledge release a statement following the termination of the Moody police officer.

"I want to take this opportunity to assure the citizens that we take public trust very seriously. Chief Smith and his staff do an amazing job," Mayor Rutledge wrote. "The safeguards we have in place to prevent misuse with LPR systems worked and we took appropriate action in accordance with our policy. The City of Moody has had and will continue to have a zero tolerance for misuse of the LPR."

https://www.alabamapower.com/company/innovation/energyplus/public-safety-service.html

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