How Sioux Falls Police Use Flock License Plate Readers

They are the latest high-tech tool in the fight against crime, but not everyone is a fan.

Flock cameras are solar-powered license plate readers that collect data as they record. Currently, more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies are using nearly 100,000 of them in 6,000 communities across 49 states (there are none in Alaska).

The information gathered can be used to search databases for license plate numbers, car makes and models, or identifying features like bumper stickers.

Fans of the cameras say they are a huge help to law enforcement in solving crimes, but critics of the cameras say they're concerned about a lack of oversight, which could allow the data collected to be used to track anyone, even those not accused of crimes.

Flock's parent company won't release the exact locations of the cameras. But other sites, like DeFlock will.

The site maintains a crowdsourced map showing the alleged location of Flock cameras around America. According to their data, there are more than 150 in South Dakota, mainly along Interstate 29, in Sioux Falls and Rapid City.

The Sioux Falls Police Department has devoted an entire section on Automated License Plate Readers on their website:

'The Sioux Falls Police Department partnered with Flock Safety to provide Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) throughout the City.

The purpose of having ALPRs is to help efficiently investigate and solve crime in Sioux Falls. The automated system provides a real-time way of searching license plates for wanted people, missing people, stolen vehicles, or other crimes.

The system does not use facial recognition or collect biometric information. It is not used for any type of violations like speeding, red lights, or parking.

Only properly trained sworn officers and police dispatchers are allowed access to the ALPR system. Department members shall not use or allow others to use the equipment or database records for any unauthorized purpose.'

The SFPD also has a Flock Transparency Portal that tracks the latest ALPR data in the city.

According to the portal, there are 34 cameras currently operating in the city performing 565,646 searches in the last 30 days.

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