DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Flock Safety cameras are becoming a more common tool for law enforcement agencies across the country, including here in the Wiregrass. While many people have questions about the technology, officials say the cameras are designed to assist criminal investigations rather than monitor people’s daily activities.
Flock cameras are automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras that capture images of passing vehicles. The system records a vehicle’s license plate along with visible characteristics such as its make, model, color and other distinguishing features, as well as the date, time and location where the vehicle was observed. Authorized law enforcement officers can search that information when investigating crimes, locating stolen vehicles or searching for missing persons.
For example, if a vehicle is reported stolen in Dothan, investigators can enter the license plate into the Flock system. If that vehicle later passes another Flock camera, the system can immediately send a real-time alert to law enforcement. The alert includes the vehicle’s location, date and time it was detected, allowing dispatchers to quickly notify patrol officers in the area. That information can help officers recover the stolen vehicle or assist with an ongoing investigation.
According to Flock Safety, the cameras are not designed to monitor people’s daily activities. They do not record continuous video, do not use facial recognition technology, do not identify drivers or passengers, and do not issue speeding or red-light tickets. Instead, the cameras capture still images of passing vehicles and vehicle-related information to provide investigative leads and real-time alerts when a vehicle of interest is detected.
Alabama law establishes standards for how automated license plate reader systems are used by law enforcement agencies. Agencies are required to adopt written policies governing the use of the technology, including who may access the system, operator training, data sharing and accountability. The rules also require agencies to maintain audit logs that record access to the system, helping ensure searches are conducted only for authorized law enforcement purposes.
According to Flock Safety, vehicle detection data is automatically deleted after 30 days by default unless a different retention period is required by state law or an agency’s policy. Under Alabama administrative rules, license plate reader data and system access logs may be retained for up to five years before they must be destroyed or erased.
Major Glover with the Dothan Police Department confirmed there are approximately 30 Flock cameras located throughout the City of Dothan. The Houston County Sheriff’s Office also operates several cameras on the outskirts of the county.
Supporters of the technology say it has helped law enforcement solve crimes more quickly, recover stolen vehicles and locate vehicles connected to criminal investigations. Others have raised concerns about privacy and oversight.
While the cameras have sparked debate in communities across the country, local officials have said they are intended to be another investigative tool that can provide valuable leads when crimes occur, rather than a system designed to monitor the public.
