Flock Safety's automated license plate readers are being used by law enforcement agencies throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth region to monitor vehicles on public roadways. These cameras capture images of license plates and can gather details about a vehicle's make, model, and color, as well as additional features like bike racks or trailers, aiding police in identifying different vehicles. In Tarrant County, there are at least 648 of these cameras in operation.
The company states that the cameras focus exclusively on vehicles and do not gather any data regarding the individuals inside. They do not employ facial recognition technology and are not meant for speed enforcement or issuing traffic tickets.
Data collected by the Flock cameras is kept for a maximum of 30 days before it is automatically erased. Access to this information is limited to police departments, which determine who has the authority to search the database. Each access is recorded and linked to the officer who performed the search, ensuring accountability. The information is not available in a public database, and police departments can set their own policies on sharing data with outside parties.
As these cameras become more widespread, drivers in Texas should be informed about their functionality and the associated privacy and data retention practices.
Fort Worth is about 58 miles southwest of Melissa.
