The increasing reliance on automatic license plate reader (ALPR) technology by law enforcement agencies across the United States has brought a spotlight onto companies like Flock Safety, a prominent provider of these systems. While Flock touts its technology as a crucial tool for public safety, a review of its own promotional materials reveals a recurring pattern: police departments highlighted in Flock’s marketing videos have subsequently faced significant allegations and investigations into the misuse of the very technology Flock provided. This trend raises critical questions about oversight, accountability, and the potential for abuse inherent in widespread surveillance systems.
A Troubling Pattern Emerges from Flock’s YouTube Channel
An examination of Flock Safety’s official YouTube channel reveals a series of videos showcasing police departments that have, in the months or years following their feature, become embroiled in controversies surrounding the improper use of Flock’s ALPR technology. This suggests a potential disconnect between the company’s curated portrayal of its technology’s efficacy and the reality of its implementation on the ground.
Savannah Police Department: From Showcase to Investigation
In March 2022, the Savannah Police Department was prominently featured in a Flock Safety YouTube video. The department’s use of Flock’s ALPR system was presented as a key component in their crime-fighting efforts. However, less than two years later, in early 2024, the department found itself at the center of an internal investigation. Six personnel, including four officers and two civilian workers, were placed on administrative leave following findings of "potential misuses" of the Flock Safety system. Mayor Van Johnson later confirmed that these allegations had been referred to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to determine if criminal charges were warranted. This incident underscores a significant breach of trust, particularly given the department’s prior positive portrayal by Flock.
Albany Police Department: Arrests and Charges Amidst Misuse Allegations
The city of Albany, Georgia, also appears in Flock’s promotional efforts. A glossy video from 2024 highlighted the Albany Police Department’s operations, including interviews with key personnel who lauded the system. Senior Crime and Intelligence Analyst David Sparks, recognized by Flock as a "Power Partner," and Chief Michael J. Persley, both featured in the video, spoke of Flock’s vital role in combating property and opportunity crimes. Chief Persley, in particular, emphasized transparency and community trust, stating, "I’m not trying to listen to your conversations, I’m not trying to see what’s happening in your backyard. We wanna make sure that you’re safe."
Tragically, this narrative of safety and transparency was soon overshadowed by serious allegations. On July 6, 2026, the Albany Police Department announced the termination of five officers following an internal investigation into "serious policy violations involving the improper use" of ALPRs. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation subsequently arrested and charged these former officers for misuse of license plate data and violating their oaths of office. The GBI confirmed its involvement in investigating incidents in both Savannah and Albany, though specific details regarding the Savannah case remained undisclosed due to its active status.
Sandy Springs Police Department: Resignation Amidst Second Job Investigation
Flock also featured the Sandy Springs Police Department in a 2020 video, focusing on how the department utilized the technology to combat "porch pirates." The video highlighted a specific case where a Flock camera captured a suspect’s license plate, leading to an arrest. However, by the following year, a separate incident emerged. An internal investigation was launched into an officer’s alleged misuse of Flock’s technology. The officer was reportedly using ALPR searches to assist a law enforcement software company, Signal 8, where they held a second job. The department stated the officer did not cooperate with the investigation and was subsequently terminated.
Baytown Police Department: Officer Resignation Following Misuse Probe
In 2025, Flock released a video showcasing the Baytown Police Department’s success in apprehending a suspect with the aid of their ALPR system. An officer featured in the video enthusiastically described the system as integral to their daily operations. However, this positive portrayal was quickly followed by troubling developments. On July 30, 2026, the Baytown Police Department announced the resignation of an officer under investigation for alleged misuse of Flock’s technology. Chief John Stringer stated that both internal and criminal investigations into the officer’s conduct were ongoing, vowing that "accountability to the fullest extent of the law will be pursued."
A National Epidemic of ALPR Misuse
The issues encountered by these four departments are not isolated incidents. Allegations of ALPR misuse have plagued law enforcement agencies across the country, spanning states such as Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio, and Wisconsin. In Georgia alone, the home states of Savannah, Albany, and Sandy Springs police departments, similar allegations have surfaced at the sheriff’s offices of Coweta County, Cherokee County, Habersham County, and Richmond County. This widespread pattern suggests systemic challenges in the oversight and responsible deployment of ALPR technology, regardless of the vendor.
Flock Safety’s Response: Accountability Mechanisms at Work
In response to inquiries regarding these recurring issues, Flock Safety spokesperson Paris Lewbel emphasized that the company views the identification and addressing of misuse as evidence of its effectiveness. "Misuse was identified and addressed," Lewbel stated in an emailed response. "That is exactly why accountability tools and internal review processes exist. When improper use is detected, agencies can investigate, take action, and hold individuals accountable. That should be viewed as evidence that oversight mechanisms are working, not as a sign that the entire department or city should be broadly condemned."
Lewbel highlighted Flock’s "Audit Assistance Program," introduced in April 2026, as a key mechanism for ensuring compliance. This program allows Flock to "continuously monitor system activity and surface search patterns that fall outside an agency’s typical usage." Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther reportedly informed a local news outlet that this program helped uncover 127 inappropriate searches out of approximately 39,000 conducted by his department in the current year, indicating a proactive approach to identifying potential breaches.
The Illusion of Transparency and Trust
Despite Flock’s assurances and the existence of audit tools, the contrast between the optimistic narratives in its promotional videos and the subsequent allegations of misconduct is striking. In the Albany Police Department video, Chief Persley eloquently spoke about the importance of transparency and community trust. Similarly, in the Savannah video, then Major Robert Gavin discussed community engagement and clear communication regarding the intended uses of the ALPR system. These statements, made in a promotional context, now ring hollow in light of the investigations that followed.
The Savannah Police Department’s internal investigation, reportedly conducted through Flock’s Audit Assistance Program, led to six personnel being placed on administrative leave. Mayor Johnson publicly expressed his disappointment, stating, "Public trust is non-negotiable. These tools exist to keep our community safe, not for personal or unauthorized use." The referral of these allegations to the GBI underscores the seriousness of the alleged breaches.
Broader Implications for Public Surveillance
The recurring pattern of ALPR misuse, particularly among departments featured in promotional materials, raises significant concerns about the broader implications of widespread public surveillance technology. While ALPRs can undoubtedly be valuable tools for law enforcement, their potential for misuse necessitates robust, independent oversight mechanisms that go beyond vendor-provided audit trails.
The ability of individual officers to access and query vast databases of license plate data creates opportunities for unauthorized surveillance, stalking, and the violation of privacy rights. The fact that departments that have been publicly lauded by the technology provider are subsequently found to be engaged in misconduct suggests that even seemingly well-intentioned deployments can falter without stringent, consistent, and impartial accountability.
The analysis of data from the GBI and local law enforcement agencies in Georgia, for instance, reveals a concerning trend. The sheer number of counties and departments investigating ALPR misuse points to a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents of rogue officers. This widespread problem challenges the narrative that these are merely isolated cases of individual wrongdoing.
The timeline of these events, stretching from 2020 to the present, indicates a persistent challenge. While Flock has introduced new audit tools, the fundamental question remains: are these measures sufficient to prevent misuse, or do they merely serve to identify it after the fact? The ongoing investigations in Savannah and Baytown, coupled with the arrests in Albany, suggest that the latter may be a more accurate assessment.
The push for greater transparency in law enforcement operations is a vital component of modern policing. However, the use of surveillance technologies like ALPRs requires a delicate balance between effective crime fighting and the protection of civil liberties. As Flock Safety continues to expand its reach, the scrutiny applied to its promotional narratives and the subsequent actions of the featured law enforcement agencies will undoubtedly intensify. The ultimate impact on public trust and the future of ALPR technology will depend on the commitment of both vendors and law enforcement to rigorous oversight and unwavering accountability.
