A newly launched website is allowing the public to check whether their vehicle’s license plate has been searched by law enforcement using Flock Safety’s license-plate reader technology, which is deployed in more than 6,000 communities across 49 states.
The site, “Have I Been Flocked?”, was created in October 2025 by Cris van Pelt, a former software engineer who has since enrolled in law school at the University of Iowa. The database aggregates audit logs from police agencies and other Flock customers, revealing more than 242 million recorded searches dating back to November 2021. While the tool does not indicate whether a vehicle was photographed by Flock cameras, it shows whether a specific license plate number has been searched in connection with a crime or investigation.
Traffic to the site has surged in recent days, with 60,000 unique visitors every two hours at its peak, according to van Pelt. The database relies on a patchwork of publicly available records, including those released through public records requests, and explicitly warns users that its data is incomplete.
How the technology works
Flock Safety’s license-plate readers are automated cameras mounted on police vehicles, streetlights, or other fixed locations. The system captures license plates and cross-references them against hot lists of stolen vehicles, wanted suspects, or vehicles associated with active warrants. When a match is found, law enforcement is alerted.
The company states that its technology has helped solve serious crimes, including homicides and thefts, by providing real-time data to investigators. However, critics argue that the widespread use of such systems raises concerns about privacy, surveillance, and potential misuse of data.
Limitations of the tracking tool
The “Have I Been Flocked?” database does not provide a complete record of all license plates captured by Flock cameras. Instead, it only shows whether a specific plate has been searched by a Flock customer, such as a police department or private entity. The site’s operator acknowledges that the data is fragmented, as it depends on the availability and completeness of audit logs voluntarily shared by agencies.
Broader debate over license-plate readers
The rise of Flock Safety’s technology has intensified discussions about police surveillance and the balance between public safety and individual privacy. Advocacy groups have raised questions about data retention policies, transparency, and the potential for abuse, while law enforcement agencies defend the tool as a critical investigative resource.
Van Pelt, the site’s creator, has framed the project as part of a grassroots effort to increase transparency around license-plate reader use. He has stated that his goal is to demonstrate how prevalent these systems are and how frequently they are accessed, even in cases where no crime has been committed.