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Police outline potential license-plate reader deployment under state Blue Shield grant
Summary
Deputy Chief Justin Jones said the department is exploring Flock Safety license-plate readers under a Blue Shield program grant; the technology would provide automatic vehicle hits, nationwide matching to other Flock deployments, audit trails and both fixed and portable installation options
Deputy Chief Justin Jones told the Kirksville City Council study session the police department is exploring license-plate readers (LPRs) and had identified Flock Safety as a vendor that could help the city apply for a Blue Shield grant from the state to pay equipment costs.
Jones described features the department values: “real time data which includes instant alerts, on a flagged vehicle” and a vehicle “fingerprint” capability that can generate hits from vehicle attributes rather than just plate numbers. He said Flock would assist with grant application, site selection and state permitting for placement in some state rights-of-way, and that membership gives access to other jurisdictions’ Flock data where available.
Why it matters: LPRs can aid investigations by automatically matching plates or vehicle descriptors to alerts and by allowing retrospective searches in the system. Jones said jurisdictions that deployed LPRs have reported quick investigative benefits, though he cautioned sales materials may overstate results and emphasized audit trails and accountability features.
Council members asked about privacy, portability and whether cameras could be used for speed or red-light enforcement. Jones said Flock can integrate cameras and offers portable solar options but the department has not pursued automated speed or red-light enforcement as part of this proposal.
Discussion only/directions/formal action: council gave no formal authorization; staff asked for direction on pursuing the Blue Shield grant and further vetting Flock Safety and deployment locations.
Ending: Jones said staff will continue conversations with the vendor and, if the grant and council support align, will return with specifics on costs, coverage and legal/operational policies.
