Flock cameras

Some local officials have suggested they expect Abbott will reinstate funding for the surveillance cameras, which are politically unpopular, after the election.

Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the state Department of Transportation to stop issuing permits for automated license plate readers.

Law enforcement agencies from across the country search the DPS Flock database once every four seconds, on average. After the Tribune inquired, DPS said it will limit which agencies can access the network.

The order came as The Texas Tribune was preparing to publish an investigation detailing how a state agency has devoted at least $30 million to building the state's Flock surveillance network.

Some government officials said they understand the community's anger, but warn that many of these contracts fall outside their jurisdiction.