More than 650 Flock Safety license plate reader cameras are installed across Dallas, and police say the technology is helping solve crimes. But as the network grows, so does opposition from privacy advocates — and an increasing number of the cameras are becoming targets of vandalism.

Dallas police said the cameras capture license plates and vehicle characteristics, giving detectives investigative leads when searching for suspects. The department has credited the cameras with helping recover guns and stolen vehicles and assisting in solving criminal cases.

Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux defended the technology, calling it an important public safety tool.

"It's one that has helped solve crimes throughout Dallas. And it will continue to help solve crimes throughout Dallas. So we're very happy with the results that we get from it. And keeping everyone safe," Comeaux said.

Police said 25 Flock cameras have been vandalized or removed in Dallas since March. The department began tracking the damage after documenting 10 incidents that month.

The city said repairs have cost about $2,500, but Flock Safety, the company that operates the cameras, has waived most replacement costs.

Flock cameras use AI to scan license plates and alert police in real-time. While security experts say they’re a critical public safety tool, privacy experts warn the cameras are a slippery slope to police overreach.

At the same time, opposition to the camera network is growing, with some residents urging North Texas cities to end their contracts with Flock Safety.

"This isn’t about being anti police, our officers deserve effective tools to investigate crime. But there’s a difference between targeted law enforcement and mass surveillance of ordinary, law-abiding residents," a concerned Carrollton resident said.

Supporters view the cameras as valuable crime-fighting tools, while critics argue they are part of an expanding surveillance network that collects information on law-abiding residents.

As more cities expand their use of license plate reader technology, the debate over where to draw the line between public safety and privacy continues.

The issue is also drawing attention in Washington. North Texas Congressman Keith Self has introduced legislation that would limit how federal agencies can access license plate reader data, saying Americans' privacy deserves greater protection.

To see a crowd-sourced map of Flock cameras in your community, visit DeFlock.org.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.

A Florida man went viral after delivering a scathing rebuke on Pensacola’s use of AI-powered Flock cameras at a city council meeting.