Police brief council on Flock license‑plate readers; officials cite 81 'hits' since 2024, privacy questions raised

An agency official (police) described Deer Park’s deployment of Flock license‑plate reader cameras at the June 22 workshop and answered council questions about performance and privacy.

The presenter said Deer Park has 11 Flock cameras and that the system produced 81 investigative 'hits' between Jan. 1, 2024, and June 17, 2026. He credited the system with helping locate suspects quickly in multiple cases, describing three examples including an aggravated robbery with a rapid plate‑based lead, a suspected abuser located before returning to town, and a 'bank jugging' series linked across jurisdictions. "Every one of these that we catch lately, they're all involved with Flock," the official said.

Council members raised privacy and data‑use concerns. One councilor asked whether critics had specific complaints beyond accusing criminals; another asked whether people who complain are aware of the system’s operation. The presenter said the common privacy concerns involve whether the vendor sells data; he said Flock has avoided that practice and that records "roll off" unless pulled for an investigation. He also referenced court precedent that there is no reasonable expectation of privacy for license plates observed on public streets.

Why it matters: police officials argued the system improves investigative speed for vehicle‑based leads and public‑safety outcomes. Some council questions reflected community privacy worries; staff said existing safeguards and limited review windows restrict routine access to the data. No policy change or vote on expanding the system took place at the workshop; staff said coverage will continue to be discussed as part of CIP and public‑safety planning.

Next steps: staff will present design/funding details for any future expansions and address privacy procedure clarifications as part of upcoming budget/CIP discussions.