Flock Safety, a provider of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) used by law enforcement, announced on Thursday that it will reduce its default data retention period from 30 days to seven days, following growing concerns about privacy and potential constitutional violations. The change comes as the company faces scrutiny over its nationwide network of over 120,000 cameras operating in 49 states and serving more than 6,000 municipalities.
Under the revised policy, Flock will also introduce Evidence Mode, which allows law enforcement agencies to preserve data tied to a case number beyond the seven-day window if needed for investigations. However, agencies retain control over whether to adopt Flock’s default settings or maintain their own retention schedules. Data collected as part of an active investigation will not be automatically deleted.
The company’s ALPR system captures a digital record of every passing vehicle, including license plate numbers, vehicle make, model, color, and distinguishing characteristics. While law enforcement agencies can share this data across state lines and with other government entities, Flock’s policy changes aim to address concerns about long-term tracking and potential infringement of Fourth Amendment rights without a warrant or court order.
Background and Context
Automatic license plate readers have been used by law enforcement since the 1990s, but their deployment has accelerated in recent years with companies like Flock Safety installing fixed cameras for police departments, neighborhoods, and businesses. The technology has assisted in locating abducted children, identifying suspects in homicides, and recovering stolen vehicles. However, critics argue that the widespread use of ALPRs creates a surveillance network that could enable excessive monitoring of law-abiding citizens.
Flock Safety’s decision to shorten the default data retention period reflects ongoing debates about balancing public safety with individual privacy. The company has emphasized that its policy changes are intended to enhance transparency and mitigate concerns about data misuse. Law enforcement agencies using Flock’s system will continue to determine their own data-sharing practices and retention policies, including whether to collaborate with federal authorities.
Key Changes and Implications
The policy adjustments include:
- Reduction in default data retention: From 30 days to seven days, unless tied to an active case.
- Introduction of Evidence Mode: Allows preservation of relevant data for longer periods when required by an investigation.
- Agency autonomy: Local and state law enforcement agencies can still set their own retention schedules and choose whether to share data with other entities.
The changes do not apply retroactively to data already collected or to information gathered during ongoing investigations. Flock Safety has not specified whether the new policies will be mandatory for all existing contracts or remain optional for partnering agencies.