Automated license plate readers, known as Flock cameras, are actively used by police departments throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area to monitor vehicles on public roads. In Tarrant County, there are at least 648 of these cameras in operation.
Flock Safety, the technology's developer, states that the cameras are focused exclusively on vehicles, capturing images of license plates and gathering details about the vehicle's make, model, and color. They can also identify specific features like bike racks or trailers, aiding law enforcement in differentiating between vehicles. Notably, these cameras do not utilize facial recognition technology and are not intended for speed detection or traffic citations.
Data collected by the Flock cameras is kept for a maximum of 30 days, after which it is automatically deleted. Access to this information is limited to police departments, which manage searches and ensure accountability by logging each search with the associated user. The information is not stored in a public database, allowing police departments to set their policies regarding data sharing with outside entities. As the use of these cameras increases, Texas drivers should remain informed about their capabilities and data retention practices.
Fort Worth is about 41 miles southwest of Plano.
