In a capitalist (and, with some qualifications, in a predominantly capitalist mixed economy) society, that is protecting capital and the capitalist class, but that’s a product of context.

I am curious if merely by having a published policy, larger cities have less scrutiny in the actual use by federal law enforcement - though likely just as frequently accessed as any Atherton camera.

[0]: https://www.sf.gov/news--san-franciscos-new-public-safety-ca...

[1]: https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/sites/default/files/2021-...

Before ALPR was ubiquitous, in the 2000s, the Atherton Police Blotter in the local paper was a hoot. Half of the entries were residents calling about suspicious people that were hired landscapers or kids walking home from school.

Not at all surprised that they went overboard on Flock and opened the footage up for every agency under the sun.

Also, I believe Flock cameras immediately notify local PD when a vehicle reported as stolen passes by. Thieves often use stolen vehicles to avoid being caught, so this functionality makes it much more risky for them to do so. It basically tips off the cops even before you get to the home you're planning to burgle.