Flock Safety Cameras:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flock Safety?
Flock Safety is a license plate reader system that assists law enforcement with criminal investigations and public safety efforts. The technology can help officers identify vehicles associated with crimes, locate missing or endangered individuals, and recover stolen vehicles.
Why is the Warrenton Police Department using Flock Safety cameras?
Flock Safety cameras provide law enforcement with an additional source of information when investigating a crime or responding to a public safety concern. The information collected can help investigators identify, vehicles, develop leads and potentially resolve cases more efficiently.
The cameras are one of many tools available to law enforcement and do not replace traditional investigative methods.
What information do the cameras collect?
The system is designed to capture images of vehicles and information that may help identify them, including:
- License plate numbers
- Vehicle make and model
- Vehicle color
- Distinguishing features, such as decals, roof racks or bumper stickers
Do the cameras photograph people?
The cameras focus on vehicles and are not designed to identify drivers or passengers.
Does Flock Safety use facial recognition?
No. Facial recognition technology is not used as part of the Flock Safety system.
Do the cameras record audio?
No. Flock Safety cameras do not record conversations or other audio.
Are officers watching the cameras in real time?
No. The cameras are not continuously monitored by law enforcement personnel.
Instead, the system is primarily used as an investigative resource when a crime has occurred or when there is a specific public safety need, such as locating a missing person.
Can the cameras issue speeding tickets or other automated citations?
No. Flock Safety cameras are not used to monitor traffic violations, issue speeding tickets or automatically generate citations.
How long is the information retained?
Vehicle information is retained for a limited period in accordance with department policy and applicable laws.
Information is automatically deleted when the retention period expires unless it is connected to an active criminal investigation, prosecution, public records requirement or another lawful purpose authorized by policy.
What can law enforcement search for?
Authorized users can search the system using information such as a license plate, vehicle make, model, color or other distinguishing characteristics.
Searches must have a legitimate law enforcement purpose. When searching for a specific vehicle, officers from the Warrenton Police Department are required to provide information establishing the connection between the vehicle and an investigation, such as a case number, the type of crime involved and the reason for conducting the search.
Who can access the information?
Access is restricted to authorized personnel and is limited to legitimate law enforcement purposes.
All searches within the system are recorded and can be reviewed to ensure the system is being used appropriately.
Can the Warrenton Police Department share information with other law enforcement agencies?
Yes. The Warrenton Police Department may share Flock Safety information with other law enforcement agencies when it supports a legitimate investigation or public safety need, including criminal investigations, missing persons, AMBER Alerts, Silver Alerts and similar situations.
Flock Safety information is not shared for commercial purposes, and outside agencies are not given unrestricted access to the system. The Warrenton Police Department does not use Flock Safety information for immigration enforcement purposes.
How is the system monitored and audited?
Every search conducted through the system is logged. Supervisors can review system activity to help ensure searches comply with department policies and applicable laws.
Where will the cameras be located?
Flock Safety cameras will be positioned at key entry and exit points throughout the Warrenton.
How can Flock Safety cameras benefit the community?
The technology gives law enforcement another resource that may help:
- Identify vehicles associated with criminal activity
- Locate missing, endangered or vulnerable individuals
- Recover stolen vehicles
- Develop investigative leads more quickly
- Assist with information-sharing between law enforcement agencies
Flock safety cameras are not a replacement for traditional police work. They are an additional investigative tool intended to help law enforcement respond to incidents, investigate crimes and enhance public safety.