CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Flock Safety is adding new restrictions to its license plate reader camera system after more than 70 nationwide reports of officers misusing the data, raising questions about privacy and police access in communities across the country.
Flock cameras scan and record where vehicles are seen, giving police a digital record that can be used to connect suspects to crimes. The company is now requiring officers to enter a case number before conducting a search — something that was previously optional. Searches conducted without a case number in an emergency will be flagged for review. Flock is also rolling out an “Audit Assistance” feature that flags abnormal search activity, locks out users, and requires an administrator review.
The company is also recommending that agencies retain license plate data for seven days instead of 30, though that decision remains up to each local department. The new rules are required to be implemented by Jan. 1.
Dubuque already requiring case numbers
The Dubuque Police Department operates 22 Flock cameras, making it one of the largest law enforcement agencies in Eastern Iowa using the technology. Lt. Luke Bock said the department was already requiring case numbers before Flock made it mandatory…