Flock Safety updates license plate reader rules to prevent misuse

Flock Safety is changing its rules for license plate reader technology to enhance privacy, security, and accountability after reports of misuse by law enforcement officers. “These changes fall into three big areas: privacy, security, and accountability. Together, they mark a new chapter for Flock,” Garrett Langley, CEO of Flock Safety, said. The updates come in response to cases where officers allegedly used plate readers to track individuals for personal reasons. The Washington Post reported that at least 50 officers have been accused of misusing the technology, including spying on wives, girlfriends, and exes. In one instance in Georgia, a police chief reportedly searched his ex-girlfriend’s license plate and her teenage daughter’s plate about 600 times. Flock Safety’s new measures include reducing data retention from 30 days to seven days, requiring officers to provide a criminal case number for every database search, and implementing automatic system lockouts for users whose activity appears abnormal. “So will it solve less crime? It will. But as a business, we think seven days is that new standard,” Langley said. Privacy advocates remain critical of the changes. Tom Bowman, policy counsel for the Center for Democracy and Technology, said the updates are “the same ‘just trust us’ policy with a fresh coat of paint.” In Southwest Florida, law enforcement agencies, including the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Cape Coral Police, and Sanibel Police, use Flock Safety’s technology. These agencies told Gulf Coast News they have systems in place to ensure searches are tied to specific investigations and used responsibly. As drivers pass cameras equipped with this technology, the goal is to help police locate suspects without enabling personal tracking. Flock Safety says its new rules aim to ensure that boundary is not crossed. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV