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Police chief defends Flock license-plate system; board members ask for oversight and clarity on limits
Summary
The police chief described how the Flock license-plate-reader system is used, auditors and safeguards in place, and board members asked for presentations and clearer statements of limitations and penalties for misuse.
Board members and the police chief discussed the department’s use of Flock license-plate cameras and the public concerns raised about data access, federal use and oversight.
Police Chief Kelly said the department has policies that align with the city’s sanctuary policies, conducts monthly audits of local and statewide usage, and participates in a transparency portal for public oversight. “Flock has been very public about in their position that absolutely not, defense will not have business access. And if agencies abuse that, Flock will shut off their their access,” the chief said.
Chief Kelly and board members described uses of the system in investigations that range from burglary to homicide. The chief said the tool can reduce unnecessary police contact by identifying vehicles of investigative interest rather than relying on more invasive stops: “It reduces unnecessary police contact because it actually will identify the vehicle that we're looking for rather than stopping based on a description or a possible suspect that we wanna talk to.”
Board members said they want more public-facing information about how misuse would be handled and what penalties exist for violations of access rules. One member asked for a presentation and recommended the Community Police Board review department policy and, if the board chooses, provide policy recommendations to common council.
The chief said the department has previously received public questions about federal access and that Flock has stated it will restrict or cut off access for agencies that abuse the system. The board agreed to consider placing Flock on a future agenda for further briefing and to decide whether to pursue formal policy recommendations.
Why it matters: Flock and similar systems raise privacy and civil-liberties concerns; oversight by advisory bodies and clear audit procedures shape public trust and departmental practice.
What happens next: Board members asked staff to bring a Flock briefing or presentation to a future meeting so members can assess audits, safeguards and potential policy recommendations.
