Chadron police defend Flock LPRs as residents warn of surveillance risks; council approves NDOT permit 3–2

Police Chief Rick Hickstein told the City Council that the city's Flock automated license‑plate reader system has been in place on highway approaches since 2023 and has aided investigations, saying, "This system, over the 3 years we've had it, we've recovered several stolen motor vehicles." He described contract terms that retain non‑hit images for 30 days, multi‑factor authentication for officer access and an audit policy requiring a case number for searches. The chief said only sworn members of his department can search the database and that the department shares access with three neighboring agencies.

During public comment dozens of residents pressed the council on privacy, data sharing and error rates. Long‑time residents and local law‑enforcement veterans cited national examples where misuse or litigation followed LPR deployments. One commenter stated, "Flock was caught illegally sharing and selling their data," and others warned that third‑party marketplaces can make license‑plate movements available outside government control. Residents also questioned how and when outside agencies could query Chadron's records and whether the city would be notified of remote searches.

Following the presentation and public comment, councilmembers debated Resolution 2026‑63, which would approve an agreement with the Nebraska Department of Transportation to permit LPRs on state highways. Chief Hickstein characterized the NDOT paperwork as a permitting formality and told the council, "If you wanted them gone, this would be the time to do it and not approving the permits." The council approved the resolution on a 3–2 roll call (Shane Shepherd — Yes; Mark Graves — Yes; Kevin Alexi — No; Clay Anderson — No; George Klein — Yes).