Police cite 536 investigations helped and dozens of arrests tied to Flock data

Rowlett police officials described a string of recent investigative outcomes they say were aided by the department’s use of Flock license‑plate data and descriptor searches.

An agency presenter recounted multiple examples: a 2023 homicide near a Dunkin’ Donuts in which officers used descriptive searches to identify a red Dodge Challenger and a suspect within 24 hours; a Seafield Street homicide in 2023 in which plate data helped establish travel patterns between counties; and a 2025 Walmart parking‑lot shooting where witness‑supplied plate information and the Flock network helped investigators tie a getaway vehicle to the offense. In a separate counterfeit‑goods probe the department said an image captured by a camera helped lead to a traffic stop and then to search warrants that ultimately recovered goods and seized currency.

“We’ve used Flock well over 1,000 times. It’s assisted us in 536 different investigations,” the presenter said, highlighting the department’s metrics for the roughly three‑year period since deployment. Staff said the system reduced the department’s need for extended surveillance, saved officer time and helped concentrate responses to high‑impact crimes such as stolen‑vehicle recoveries and violent incidents.

Council members and staff noted those operational gains while cautioning that the technology is only a tool that must be verified by officer follow‑up, not a substitute for investigation. Officials told the council that every automated hit requires officer verification, and that investigative steps — including probable‑cause development — must follow before enforcement action.

The department framed the examples as evidence that combining technology with proactive patrols and targeted operations has driven recent declines in some property‑crime categories.