The Wilson Police Department uses Flock cameras at some major intersections in Wilson. The camera images are used as an investigative lead-generation tool. Flock cameras are used for license plate reading, not to identify the driver or occupants of the vehicle. The cameras gather a photo of the license plate and back of the vehicle and stores that information for a limited time. The information is available only to Wilson Police Department staff, with limitations in place to ensure any query is necessary to a current criminal investigation.
There are cameras set up strategically at major intersections that have a high volume of traffic.
What information does the camera capture?
Flock cameras gather vehicle information including make, model, color, license plate number and distinguishing features such as damage or decals. Flock cameras capture the time, date and location when the vehicle passes the camera. The cameras are only placed in a position to capture the images of a vehicle where a registration plate is located.
Who has access to the data?
Flock data is available only to Wilson Police Department staff. Administrative access is assigned to personnel based on their roles and includes the police department’s IT staff, sergeants, captains and majors. Access is limited to police personnel who are currently investigating criminal cases that a vehicle could be linked to. When personnel enter a search, they must include an incident report number.
Under what circumstances can the information be accessed?
The Flock system is used primarily to assist in locating stolen vehicles, wanted suspects, missing persons, and vehicles associated with other crimes. The system allows users to search for vehicles by make, model, color and general vehicle type. This allows officers to determine if a vehicle was present in the vicinity of an incident at the relevant time and to identify potential leads when only a vehicle description is available. Alerts can be placed for serious offenses, missing or endangered individuals and other significant incidents.
How long is the data retained?
The data is retained for 7 days.
What policies govern the use of the system to ensure privacy and prevent misuse?
The Wilson Police Department has a policy governing license plate reader technology, including Flock cameras. The policy includes regulations dictating the use of automated license plate readers, including what incidents warrant using this technology. The policy requires officers to be trained on the system and to include specific and relevant information to explain the reason for any query. All queries are reviewed by WPD leadership regularly.
WPD has been using license plate reader technology to assist law enforcement efforts since 2012. The department’s contract with Flock was included in the 2023-2024 budget.
