Flock CEO says its microphones detect ‘just gunshots’ — its website says different
Flock’s CEO says its microphones detect only gunshots, while company materials describe broader ambient-audio detection.
Flock CEO Garrett Langley told TechCrunch Disrupt that the company’s gunshot-detection microphones detect “just gunshots,” conflicting with website claims that the audio systems can also flag street takeovers, severe crashes, fireworks, and sideshows. A spokesperson said detection is primarily for gunfire and can identify fireworks, sideshows, and potential crashes, but is not designed to monitor conversations or detect screaming. Flock previously prototyped alerts for abduction or harm, then withdrew distress detection after privacy criticism. Langley compared Flock’s microphone count with ShotSpotter’s roughly 25,000 devices as of 2024, amid scrutiny from the ACLU and decisions by Texas, Florida, and Amazon’s Ring to end relationships with Flock.