FAQs
Specific CAD/case numbers for searches performed over the previous 30 days.
A summary of top offense types investigated using the system.
Data retention rules, security compliance standards, and CPD’s official ALPR policy.
A list of authorized Missouri law enforcement sharing partners.
Examples of cases across Missouri utilizing Flock to solve crimes.
Do ALPR cameras continuously record video and track movements, violating the Fourth Amendment?
No. Federal and state courts across the U.S. have repeatedly affirmed that ALPR technology does not violate the Fourth Amendment or require a search warrant. Motorists have no legal expectation of privacy in license plates or vehicle characteristics exposed to plain public view. CPD ALPR cameras do not record continuous live video; they capture discrete, point-in-time still photos of the license plate, vehicle features, time, and location when a vehicle passes. This does not constitute continuous tracking.
Do the cameras use facial recognition to identify drivers and passengers?
No. Flock ALPR cameras do not use facial recognition technology. The system focuses entirely on objective vehicle characteristics observable from public roadways. Neither CPD nor the system collects or stores driver identities, names, home addresses, phone numbers, or biometric data.
Does CPD sell or monetize license plate data to third parties?
No. CPD maintains 100% ownership and control over all data collected by its cameras. Neither CPD nor Flock Safety sells, rents, or brokers LPR data to commercial entities or third parties. All ALPR records are tightly controlled law enforcement records used exclusively for authorized public safety investigations.
Is camera data shared nationwide or with federal agencies like ICE?
No. CPD strictly limits data sharing to in-state law enforcement agencies within Missouri to ensure data remains directly tied to local and state public safety needs. Federal agencies are excluded from nationwide network search capabilities, and Flock does not contract with ICE.
Can private entities with Flock cameras access police databases or alerts?
No. While private Flock subscribers (such as HOAs or businesses) can opt to share their camera footage with CPD, they never receive access to law enforcement data, government hotlists, or police query logs.
Are Flock cameras used to issue automated speeding or red-light tickets?
No. CPD’s Flock cameras are strictly investigative tools used to identify vehicles tied to active criminal investigations, stolen property, and missing persons. They are not used for automated traffic enforcement or issuing traffic citations.
Does an ALPR camera alert automatically result in a traffic stop or arrest?
No. An ALPR alert serves strictly as an investigative lead; it is not proof of a crime or independent probable cause for an arrest. CPD policy requires officers to independently and visually confirm the license plate and verify the alert status with dispatch or official databases before initiating enforcement action.
Do these cameras lead to increased, unnecessary traffic stops or targeted policing?
No. ALPR technology greatly reduces unnecessary stops. Instead of stopping multiple vehicles matching a broad, general description, officers receive specific license plate and vehicle feature matches, which prevents innocent drivers from being mistakenly stopped.
Why is camera data kept for 30 days instead of being deleted instantly?
Serious crimes and missing person reports are frequently reported days or weeks after an incident occurs. Deleting records immediately would permanently destroy critical investigative leads. To balance public safety with privacy protections, unflagged data is automatically and permanently deleted after a strict 30-day retention period.
Can CPD officers search the Flock system for personal reasons without oversight?
No. Under CPD Policy, every search query requires an officer to enter a specific law enforcement justification and a CAD/case number. The system logs a permanent, unalterable audit trail containing the user ID, timestamp, and reason for the search. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited and subject to severe consequences, including disciplinary action, termination, or criminal prosecution.
How can the public verify how CPD is using ALPR technology?
CPD operates a public-facing Flock Transparency Portal (transparency.flocksafety.com/columbia-mo-pd). The portal provides the public with:
Is ALPR an untested technology, and does it actually reduce crime?
License plate recognition has been successfully utilized in public safety for decades. It serves as a vital force multiplier for CPD, aiding in the swift recovery of stolen vehicles, solving violent crimes, and locating missing children (via AMBER Alerts) and endangered adults (via Silver Alerts) across Missouri.
Can drivers bypass the cameras by removing or obscuring their license plates?
No. The system utilizes Vehicle Signature Technology to capture unique vehicle attributes beyond just the license plate. This includes the make, model, color, body type, temporary tags, roof racks, decals, and custom accessories. This capability allows investigators to locate suspect vehicles even when plates are missing or concealed.