The Springfield City Council on May 20 approved an amended ordinance authorizing payment of $251,500 to Flock Group Inc. (DBA Flock Safety) for the city's Falcon automatic license-plate readers (ALPRs) covering Feb. 23, 2025, through Feb. 22, 2026.

Council members asked how the cameras are sited and whether the department coordinates ALPR placement with other technologies such as ShotSpotter. Police representatives said ALPRs are evaluated and relocated as needed and that the department had placed cameras under a recent grant to address organized retail crime.

A department representative described instances in which ALPR imagery was critical in investigations, including multiple homicide cases and more than 40 organized retail crime cases tied to cameras placed in retail corridors. "We were able to secure a grant for organized retail crime where we could put some flock cameras in those retail areas," the chief said, citing arrests and case leads developed from camera footage.

Alderman Gregory said he wanted assurance the program would not be permanent in a single configuration and asked whether Flock would continue to work with the city on repositioning devices as needed. The police representative said the department routinely reevaluates camera placement based on data and community input.

Alderman Donlon asked the department to publicize options for neighborhood associations to buy cameras and participate in the city program; the chief agreed to work with neighborhood groups to promote those opportunities and to consider sharing cost and placement information to ease the city's financial burden.

The ordinance as amended passed 10-0. Council members said they expect the police department to report on camera performance, the cases supported by ALPR data and opportunities for neighborhood participation.

Ending: Flock Safety will be paid under the approved contract extension; the police department said it will continue to review camera siting and encourage neighborhood participation programs.