Flock CEO says gunshot microphones detect only gunshots
At TechCrunch Disrupt, Garrett Langley said Flock Safety's audio detection is for gunshots, while the company's website lists fireworks and car crashes.
Flock Safety co-founder and CEO Garrett Langley said onstage at TechCrunch Disrupt that the company's gunshot-detection microphones detect "just gunshots," according to techcrunch.com.
That statement differs from Flock's own website, which states that its Gunshot and Audio Detection can detect fireworks, sideshows, car crashes and other disruptive community events. Flock spokesperson Paris Lewbel said the technology is primarily used to detect gunfire but is also capable of detecting fireworks, sideshows and potential car crashes. The company's FAQ adds that its detection library is continually expanding to include emerging threats.
Langley said Flock's microphone count is comparable to ShotSpotter's. As of 2024, ShotSpotter had about 25,000 microphones, per Wired reporting.
Protesters gathered outside the TechCrunch Disrupt venue in San Francisco to voice opposition to Flock. Langley conceded the company had made mistakes and said he was listening to customers.
Earlier scrutiny and lost partnerships
Flock announced its Gunshot Detection feature in 2025, saying the technology would listen for sounds of "screaming," which drew condemnation from privacy groups. After the criticism, Flock amended its website to say "sounds of human distress" and later said it pulled the "distress" detection ability from customers who tried it.
Texas and Florida have moved to end their relationships with Flock, and Amazon's Ring has ended its partnership with the company.
Quick answers
What did Flock's CEO say about the gunshot-detection microphones?
Garrett Langley said at TechCrunch Disrupt that the microphones detect "just gunshots," a claim that differs from Flock's website and its spokesperson.
What does Flock's website say the audio detection can pick up?
Flock's website states its Gunshot and Audio Detection can detect fireworks, sideshows, car crashes and other disruptive community events.
How many microphones does ShotSpotter have?
ShotSpotter had about 25,000 microphones as of 2024, per Wired reporting.