Flock Safety License Plate Readers Under Scrutiny Amid Transparency Concerns
A report by InvestigateTV highlights concerns about Flock Safety's automated license plate readers, detailing how a citizen in North Manchester, Indiana, discovered his vehicle was frequently tracked by local law enforcement. The investigation reveals that Flock has altered its system's…
Portland, OR, August 10, 2026 —
Concerns are mounting regarding the use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) supplied by Flock Safety, following an investigative report by InvestigateTV that has brought to light issues of transparency and potential misuse of the technology. The report detailed how a resident of North Manchester, Indiana, became aware that his vehicle was being repeatedly tracked by local law enforcement utilizing Flock’s ALPR system.
Further investigation by InvestigateTV revealed that Flock Safety has made changes to its system’s audit logs. These modifications have reportedly reduced the transparency surrounding who is accessing the data and the reasons behind specific searches conducted within the system. This development comes at a time when numerous cases across the country have documented instances of ALPR technology being misused for purposes such as stalking and harassment.
The specific details regarding the North Manchester resident’s discovery of his vehicle being tracked were not fully elaborated in the provided summary, nor were the exact nature or frequency of the law enforcement searches. The report also did not specify when Flock Safety altered its audit log system.
Nationwide, the use of ALPRs by law enforcement agencies has been a subject of ongoing debate. Proponents argue that the technology is a valuable tool for solving crimes and locating stolen vehicles. However, critics and privacy advocates frequently raise concerns about the vast amounts of data collected, the potential for surveillance, and the risks associated with data breaches or unauthorized access.
The changes to Flock Safety’s audit logs, as highlighted by the InvestigateTV report, intensify these existing concerns about accountability and oversight. Without clear and accessible records of who is searching the system and why, it becomes more challenging to identify and address potential abuses of the technology.
The specific number of law enforcement agencies using Flock Safety’s ALPR systems, or the extent of the changes made to the audit logs, was not detailed in the summary. The report from InvestigateTV did not specify the number of documented misuse cases nationwide or provide individual details beyond the general mention of stalking and harassment.
The implications of reduced transparency in ALPR systems can extend beyond individual privacy. It can also affect public trust in law enforcement and the technology they employ. The findings suggest a need for continued scrutiny and potentially stronger regulations governing the use and data management practices of private technology providers like Flock Safety.
Story summarized from the original created by Brendan Keefe, Emily Featherston on www.kptv.com, see more information here.
