Flock Safety's license plate reader network has drawn heavy media scrutiny, with reports around the country of searches run outside authorized purposes, data shared with agencies outside department policy, and lookups that had nothing to do with an open case. Several of those stories have ended in officer discipline, including termination. This shows no signs of slowing down and is picking up steam in Illinois.
Based on what we have seen, we have put together these reminders. Please keep the following in mind:
- Search only within policy. Every query should be tied to a specific, articulable law-enforcement purpose. Treat Flock the same as LEADS. Being overly cautious is better than not. If you don't know your department's policy ask for it. If there is not a policy please contact the union.
- Assume it's logged. Flock's audit trail records every search, by whom, and the stated reason. That log is discoverable have been requested through public-records requests. There are also public websites that compile Flock usage information.
- Know your department's data-sharing rules. Do not share network access, exported data, or results with outside agencies or individuals unless your policy and applicable law clearly permit it. Never access any law enforcement database from a personal device or outside working hours.
- Document your reason before you search, not after. One of our agencies pulls a CAD number if they want to search a vehicle from a critical reach or ISPERN message. This creates a documented paper trail for your use of the system.
- Ask first if you're unsure. A quick question to a supervisor is better than the alternative.
If you're contacted about a Flock search you've run, do not respond on your own, contact the union office first. Remember, everyone at the union has a law enforcement background. So if you are unsure even with day-to-day questions, call or email us.
As always, feel free to contact the union at any time.