License Plate Readers

The Police Department leases license plate readers and push to zoom cameras across the city through Flock Safety. The department also has access to Flock Safety license plate readers across the region, state, and nationally through partnerships with the City of Fort Worth and other law enforcement agencies across the U.S. Oversight of the department's use of Flock Safety cameras includes the White Settlement Crime Control and Prevention District, City Manger's Office, and City Council.

Check out or video that describes how we use Flock Safety: YouTube Link

What is Flock Safety? More than 5,000 communities utilize Flock Safety to enhance public safety through collection of license plate data on public roadways. The license plate data is checked with state and national criminal justice information databases to alert officers of vehicles that are associated with serious offenders, wanted fugitives, or stolen property. 

How does our department utilize this technology? Officers receive push notifications through a mobile app or Dispatch Center on vehicles that are associated with serious criminal warrants, stolen cars, missing children or adults, known terrorist organizations, or other incidents where law enforcement suspects the vehicle may be associated with felony-level crimes. 

How long is license plate data stored? The data purges after 30 days unless a detective downloads the information to attach it to an ongoing criminal investigation. 

What successes has the department had? The department has made traffic stops based upon license plate reader "alerts" and recovered numerous stolen vehicles, wanted fugitives, murder and capital murder suspects, and missing persons. Several felony arrests have been made based upon license plate reader alerts.

Are license plate readers legal? Courts have consistently ruled that the collection of license plate data on public roadways is legal. The department further safeguards this information through allowing access only to authorized peace officers and dispatchers who use the information according to state and federal laws related to criminal justice information. 

Are license plate readers linked to facial recognition? No. License plate reader technology that the department uses does not utilize or collect facial data.